American Indian heritage month begins Tuesday with awareness event

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Students will be educated about American Indian heritage in November through discussions, workshops and performances.

Twenty-one years ago President George H.W. Bush designated November as National American Indian Heritage Month, and Central Michigan University will celebrate with its own Native American Heritage Month festivities.

“CMU holds the nickname ‘Chippewas’ which is a perfect reason to educate our campus and local community on the Native American culture,” said Colleen M. Green, director of Native American Programs.

The heritage month will begin Tuesday with the fourth annual Environmental Awareness Day.

“Environmental Awareness Day is a day for the campus community to give back to Mother Earth,” Green said.
Green said volunteers will have the opportunity to clean up campus before the first snow.

“It is a way we show how important our natural environment is to all of us by coming together for this community service learning project,” she said.

The month’s events will include a free screening of the film “Reel Injun” at noon and 6 p.m. Wednesday in the Bovee University Center Auditorium. The documentary examines portrayals of Native Americans in film.

Lake Isabella senior Jeannie Snyder said as an American Indian, she feel it is important to share aspects of her culture to help eliminate misconceptions.

At noon on Thursday, Dee Ann Sherwood, the Denison visiting professor of Native American studies, will discuss myths and truths about American Indian culture in the Bovee UC Terrace rooms as part of a Soup and Substance
presentation.

“I personally feel educating and immersing people in cultures outside their own is a perfect educational component to their own life and to show how diverse we are as a society,” Green said.

At 7 p.m. on Nov. 8 in Warriner Hall’s Plachta Auditorium, actor, comedian and motivational speaker Tatanka Means will perform.

Tatanka Means will be using comedy to motivate people to excel in life and in all of their endeavors,” Green said.

Snyder said Means comes from a famous family and his father is known for his political activism with the American Indian Movement.

Events will conclude at 6 p.m. on Nov. 30. with Tobacco Teachings in the University Center.

“CMU also has a long-honored relationship with the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe, which brings in another aspect of educating and including the community into events and programs,” Green said.