2008 Woodie Awards
November celebrates Native American culture, history
By: Elyse Nelmark
Issue date: 11/5/07 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
Students at Central Michigan University have several chances to learn about Native American stereotypes and culture during the next few weeks.
"There are a lot of misconceptions about Native Americans," said Colleen Green, interim director of Native American Programs. "People tend to group us all into one."
November is Native American Heritage Month, and CMU has a myriad of events planned to celebrate.
Sonny Smart, an associate professor of social work at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, will speak at 8 p.m. Thursday in the Charles V. Park Library Auditorium. A social will take place from 6 to 10 p.m. next Sunday in the Multicultural Education Center. Musician Joe Reilly comes to Warriner Hall's Plachta Auditorium on Nov. 15. Winona LaDuke, an activist and politician, will give a lecture Nov. 19 in Plachta Auditorium.
Mount Pleasant senior Fueschie Jones, student staff assistant at Minority Student Services, said programs for Native American Heritage Month allow students to embrace the Native American culture by exposing them to new ideas and beliefs.
"It is enhancing the culture for students," Jones said. "It is important for people from other cultures and backgrounds to experience these programs they are bringing in during this month."
Organizers said speakers were chosen because of how they are viewed by the public and by the Native American community.
"The speakers know about their culture so they will be able to talk about Native American issues," Green said. "It is a great way to educate everyone on the campus. People can learn about how we treat each other, how we think, the traditions we have, and the issues we have had to overcome."
Jones said the events remind students of the importance of Native American history.
"Sometimes we say things and do things without realizing that we are stereotyping. This month allows us to celebrate their culture," said Jones.
Green believes celebrating Native American culture is important, especially for CMU.
"The month allows us to become invested in what the culture brings with the name of the 'Chippewas,'" Green said. "Being a Native American myself, I find this fundamental for life."
news@cm-life.com
"There are a lot of misconceptions about Native Americans," said Colleen Green, interim director of Native American Programs. "People tend to group us all into one."
November is Native American Heritage Month, and CMU has a myriad of events planned to celebrate.
Sonny Smart, an associate professor of social work at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, will speak at 8 p.m. Thursday in the Charles V. Park Library Auditorium. A social will take place from 6 to 10 p.m. next Sunday in the Multicultural Education Center. Musician Joe Reilly comes to Warriner Hall's Plachta Auditorium on Nov. 15. Winona LaDuke, an activist and politician, will give a lecture Nov. 19 in Plachta Auditorium.
Mount Pleasant senior Fueschie Jones, student staff assistant at Minority Student Services, said programs for Native American Heritage Month allow students to embrace the Native American culture by exposing them to new ideas and beliefs.
"It is enhancing the culture for students," Jones said. "It is important for people from other cultures and backgrounds to experience these programs they are bringing in during this month."
Organizers said speakers were chosen because of how they are viewed by the public and by the Native American community.
"The speakers know about their culture so they will be able to talk about Native American issues," Green said. "It is a great way to educate everyone on the campus. People can learn about how we treat each other, how we think, the traditions we have, and the issues we have had to overcome."
Jones said the events remind students of the importance of Native American history.
"Sometimes we say things and do things without realizing that we are stereotyping. This month allows us to celebrate their culture," said Jones.
Green believes celebrating Native American culture is important, especially for CMU.
"The month allows us to become invested in what the culture brings with the name of the 'Chippewas,'" Green said. "Being a Native American myself, I find this fundamental for life."
news@cm-life.com
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