The histories, cultures and philosophies of American Indians will be celebrated on Sept 26 at Montana State University Billings, organizers announced.
Displays, presentations and discussions will take place throughout American Indian Heritage Day 2008.
Reno Charette, Native American studies program coordinator at MSU Billings and a member of the steering committee for the event, said Heritage Day is a perfect opportunity for the community to become more acquainted with a rich and diverse heritage.
“What I wanted was a way to bring a greater presence of American Indian culture on our campus,” Charette said.
Highlights this year include:
· American Indian Music, More Than Just Drums and Flutes, by Scott Prinzing:
· Native Games presented by certified instructors from the International Traditional Native Games Society:
· Sacred Tobacco Presentation by Victoria Augure, an enrolled member of the Blackfeet nation,
· Ledger Art Stories and Display at the MSU Billings Library: Between 1879 and 1897.
· Adult Health Fair sponsored by the Billings Clinic in the SUB Ballroom.
Middle school and high school students are encouraged to participate in a Passport Activity that enables them to enter a drawing to win gift baskets that include technology, MSU Billings items and cultural items.
Elders are invited to be honored guests to participate in all activities. A rest station exclusively for elders will be provided.
There will also be a performance by Night Hawks Drum Group from Lame Deer, a tribal flags exhibit from the Western Heritage Center and a workshop on American Indian storytelling for elementary students.
Visitors may also attend a showing of the film “Flow,” in partnership with the MSU Billings Urban Institute, which is holding a water forum at the university the same day,
Registration is open at 8:45 a.m. in the Student Union Building. Opening ceremonies begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by a variety of activities and the opening of a vendor exhibit. Displays, presentations and discussions will take place on the SUB lawn, the Peaks to Plains Park and the MSU Billings Library.
For a full schedule of activities and more information, go to www.msubillings.edu/heritage
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