Greg Burghardt

Adam Fortunate Eagle mixed humor with spirituality during his speech in the Bovee University Center Rotunda.

About 130 people listened to American Indian rights activist Fortunate Eagle, an Ojibway sculptor and religious traditionalist, speak Wednesday about his experiences.

“Native Americans still have a long way to go,” he said. “We will always be fighting for our civil rights.”

Fortunate Eagle was introduced to the audience by Joseph Sowmick, a Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe member. Sowmick said Fortunate Eagle is a survivor and has a warrior spirit.

“I am compelled to tell the truth,” Fortunate Eagle said. “An open heart and mind will lead to peace in the country and the world.”

Fortunate Eagle’s presentation focused on the fight for land on Alcatraz Island.

American Indians occupied the island in 1969 and declared it as sacred land. They occupied the island for 19 months, then settled with the U.S. government to vacate the island.

The incident was mainly activist/public relations stunt to bring attention to the American Indian cause.

“It was a quest for liberty and freedom,” he said.

Some students were surprised with the information he presented.

“I didn’t know about the Alcatraz incident,” said Traci Eister, Durand sophomore. “I found it pretty shocking the way Native Americans were being treated.”

Fortunate Eagle also discussed America’s “hidden war.” By 1969, 109 American Indian reservations were destroyed, relocating nearly 2,000 American Indians to the cities. By the 1980s, 89,000 reservations were gone.

He remained optimistic, and said he believes people can learn to live together.

“My faith will carry me through the tough times,” he said. “I believe the good hearts of people will come to a realization on how Native Americans are mistreated.”

He said he hoped the people in attendance would gain an understanding on American Indians and learn to be compassionate.

Members of the North American Indian Student Organization said they enjoyed his presentation.

“I wanted people to be moved from their seats as they held their bellies with laughter,” said NAISO President Jessica Kota, Kimball sophomore.

The event was sponsored by the Multicultural Education Center, Native American Programs, the Office for Institutional Diversity and the King/Chavez/Parks Visiting Professor Program.

“I wanted people to see all the sides of Native Americans,” said Lisa Tiger, Native Americans Programs director.

“He is engaging,” Tiger said of Fortunate Eagle. “He has a good spirit.”

E-mail the author: Nu YangLIFE Staff Writer