So you just saw ?Dances with Wolves? and now you think you?re an expert on American Indians. The truth is, most probably don?t even know the difference between a Mohawk and an Apache, let alone a Blackfoot and a Nez-Perce.
Rather than running the risk of looking like a fool when your faux Hollywood based knowledge runs out, why not go out and actually learn something about the American Indians? That is where the office for Multicultural Programs and Services comes in.
All month long, universities and other federal institutions across the country have been celebrating American Indian Heritage Month.
Throughout October, MPS has been coordinating a series of events and activities aimed at promoting and celebrating Native American culture.
?We are trying to provide an opportunity for people who identify as American Indians to have a time to celebrate and to gather together,? said Rosa Jones, assistant director for Programming at Multicultural Programs and Services.
Jones added that another goal of the month-long event was to expand awareness of American Indian culture in the community, and on campus in particular.
?Another thing is to expose the campus to artists or lectures, and even critical issues that may be facing the Native American community,? she said.
The upcoming American Indian Art and Artifact Show, which is being held in the Multicultural Center in 150 Squires on Nov. 1, will be a showcase of artistic works and selected artifacts from assorted tribes and artists, both traditional and contemporary, she said.
?The theme of our program is Native American survival,? said Trees Dove, Multicultural Programs Committee Member and sponsor of the event. ?We want to showcase how the Native Americans use arts and crafts as part of their survival mechanism.?
Works that will be showcased at the event include pieces of natural construction such as Cherokee Birch-Bark Baskets, Nez Perce Pendleton Blankets whose woven designs hold religious significance, a Spirit Doll that was used in rain rituals from the Hopi tribe, as well as several pieces of art from artists of American Indian origin.
?A work that we are especially honored to get is by Beatien Yazz,? Dove said, ?That is a watercolor on silk, which is his specialty, Navajo painting.?
The event promises to provide anybody who attends with a broad sampling of the vast cornucopia of tradition that is American Indian culture.
?We just want to get the message out that we care,? Dove said. ?I feel like the native people have been neglected for a long, long time, and I would like for their story to be told.?