Native American Heritage Month Lineup Set at Grand Valley State University

Native News Network Staff in Native Briefs. Discussion »

CinemAwareness Nov.18

Native Brief: ALLENDALE, MICHIGAN - Grand Valley State University, based in Allendale, Michigan with campuses in Grand Rapids, has announced activities planned to celebrate Native American Heritage Month.

Below are is a list of the activities:

Dancing in Moccasins: Keeping Native American Traditions Alive

Wednesday, November 2
12:00 - 1:00 pm
2204 Kirkhof Center, Allendale

For the nearly two million Native Americans, life in the US today is a frustrating struggle to retain their ancient ways while functioning in the modern world. This documentary film examines the needs and problems of today's Native Americans, both those who live on the reservation and those who have chosen the mainstream. The conclusion focuses on celebration and survival as reflected in the continuing tradition of the Powwow. LIB 100 and US 201 Approved.

Collision: Traditional Lakota Values and Contemporary Life

Speaker: Aaron DeSersa
Wednesday, November 9
1:00 - 2:15 pm
2204 Kirkhof Center, Allendale

A co-author of Black Elk Lives, Aaron Desersa will speak on the values and way of life of the Lakota people, both today and in the past. He will discuss the clashes between modern life and traditional Lakota ways, with emphasis on how contemporary Lakota people struggle to make this adjustment. A highly respected spiritual leader, Aaron DeSersa is the great-grandson of the famous Lakota medicine man, Black Elk. LIB 100 and US 201 Approved.

American Indian History and Culture

Speaker: Dennis Zotigh
Wednesday, November 9
4:00 - 5:30 pm
Grand River Room, Kirkhof Center, Allendale

This program will examine the origins of Native Americans in North America and will include discussion about their roles in contemporary US society. Mr. Zotigh has been invited to speak at universities, museums, educational conferences and symposiums on topics concerning American Indian culture. Zotigh seeks to preserve the past, to broaden how Native Americans are viewed in the present and to create new opportunities for Indian youth in the future. LIB 100 and US 201 Approved.

The Massacre at Wounded Knee Creek

Speaker: Dr. Lani Van Eck
Thursday, November 17
4:00 - 6:00 pm
215 Eberhard Center

This is a two-hour multimedia program that describes the historic events that took place in 1890. It will provide an examination of the cultural, political, and economic factors leading up to this incident, including new information uncovered by Dr. Van Eck. Intercultural dialogue is promoted by providing a common knowledge base as well as a balanced perspective that considers both sides of the story. LIB 100 and US 201 Approved.

CinemAwareness: Trudell

Friday, November 18
2:00 - 3:30 pm
1240 Kirkhof Center

Documentary film, "Trudell," follows the extraordinary life of Native American poet and activist John Trudell, from his impoverished childhood in Omaha to his leadership in the American Indian Movement, and his reincarnation as an acclaimed musician and spoken word poet. Popcorn is provided.

Sponsors: Area Studies, Campus Recreation, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Division of Inclusion and Equity, Kutsche Office of Local History, LGBT Resource Center, Liberal Studies Department, Native American Student Association, Native American Advisory Board, Office of Multicultural Affairs, School of Computing & Information Systems, WGVU, Women's Center

posted October 22, 2011 6:30 am edt