Above: The Niishawswea Aanakwadoon ceremonial pipe has been transformational for Jay Bird, who will speak 4-6 p.m. Nov. 6 at Morris Library’s John C. Guyon Auditorium. Middle: Maxbiya Shawl, a two-spirit Nakoda activist, will speak at noon Nov. 18 in the Student Services Building, Rooms 150/160. (Photos provided)
October 28, 2024
SIU celebrating 2024 Native American Heritage Month in November with special events
CARBONDALE, Ill. — In recognition of Native American Heritage Month, Southern Illinois University Carbondale will host guest speakers, films and other special activities in November.
“We celebrate NAHM month to dispel myths and honor the contributions that Native Americans continue to make to our communities and nation,” said Renada Greer, executive director of the Student Multicultural Resource Center and TRiO Student Support Services. “Using this year's theme, ‘Confronting Challenges and Forging New Pathways,’ our events and dialogues will focus on the rich cultural history and traditions of Native American peoples and modern realities.”
All events are free and open to the public.
Kickoff features acclaimed author
Jay Bird, author of “Hidden Under the Water,” will speak and sign books at the kickoff event, slated for 4-6 p.m. Nov. 6 at Morris Library’s John C. Guyon Auditorium.
He is from the Batchewana First Nation of Ojibways in Sault Sainte Marie, Ontario, Canada, and is member of the Bear Clan, known for healing skills. At the age of 34, the Batchewana First Nation chief and council presented Bird the Niishawswea Aanakwadoon ceremonial pipe (Seven Clouds) in 2010. He inherited the Jiisikaan (shake tent) ceremony teaching and launched his journey as a healer and Jiisikaan conductor.
“Hidden Under the Water” explores the identities, resilience and deep connections that tie people to their ancestors. It highlights the difficulties in facing life’s hardships with the beauty of discovering your identity in an ancestral lineage featuring traditional healers and knowledge keepers. Bird will discuss the power of his healing journey after a devastating accident, his culture and the Niishawswea Aanakwadoon’s transformational role.
SIU committed to respectful return
The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, which became federal law in 1990, ensures the protection and safe return of Native American remains, memorial/commemorative items, sacred objects and artifacts with cultural, historical or traditional importance, and SIU has employed Carol Samarah as its inaugural NAGPRA program director.
Everyone is invited to a Lunch and Learn with Samarah, a graduate of the SIU’s Simmons Law School, at noon Nov. 13 in the Student Center’s Old Main Room. Enjoy a provided lunch as Samarah discusses her commitment to fostering meaningful relationships with Native nations, affirming their sovereignty and ensuring they are involved and have a significant role in decisions impacting their peoples and heritage. Samarah oversees compliance with NAGPRA and related regulations at SIU.
Appreciation or appropriation?
In recent years, there has been much debate about what constitutes cultural appreciation and what is cultural appropriation. Community members, along with SIU students, faculty and staff, are invited to a Lunch and Learn featuring Maxbiya Shawl, a two-spirit Nakoda activist, at noon Nov. 18 in the Student Services Building, Rooms 150/160. Lunch will be provided.
Her discussion, titled “Cultural Appreciation vs. Appropriation,” will explore the important difference between engaging respectfully with Indigenous cultures and perpetuating harmful misrepresentations. Shawl will draw from traditional teachings and personal experience while living on the Fort Belknap Reservation in Montana to highlight how true appreciation fosters understanding while cultural appropriation can be exploitive and enhance stereotypes. Shawl is a member of the Nakoda (Assiniboine) tribe.
More opportunities to learn, explore, experience
A variety of other November events will give people a chance to experience the culture of America’s Indigenous peoples. They include:
- Movie night featuring “Killers of the Flower Moon,” Nov. 7, 4-5:30 p.m., Student Center Auditorium.
- Native art paint party, Nov. 14, 4-5 p.m., Student Center’s Kaskaskia/Missouri Rooms.
- Read along: “Weaving Sundown in a Scarlet Light.” The Student Multicultural Resource Center will offer free copies of the Joy Harjo book to the first 10 students, faculty or staff to drop by the SMRC in November.
Find the complete schedule of events and other details on the Student Multicultural Resource Center website.