Colorado State University Celebrates Native American Heritage Month Through November

Note to Reporters: Photos of the 2011 Pow Wow are available with the release at www.news.colostate.edu.

Colorado State University’s Native American Cultural Center is celebrating Native American Heritage Month with a series of events in November. The events are intended to educate the CSU and local community about the Native American culture, history and customs.

"Native American Heritage Month is well underway not only at Colorado State University but across the country. I invite everyone to participate by attending an event,” said Ty Smith, director of CSU’s Native American Cultural Center.

A schedule of events follows.

Aspen Grille features traditional Native American dishes
Make your reservations at the LSC Aspen Grille to enjoy lunch specials prepared by Chef Garrett Overlee that recognize Native American culture through modern-day cuisine. For reservations, call (970) 491-7006.
– Nov. 6, 7, 13, 14 – Navajo Fried Bread with Hidatsa (ground buffalo, beans, green onion and wild rice) served with a pumpkin puree and roasted corn salad.
– Nov. 8, 9, 15, 16 – Hopi Venison Stew (with potatoes, squash and beans) served with corn fritters.

Film: “The Business of Fancydancing,” 6-8:30 p.m. Nov. 5, Clark A 201
“The Business of Fancydancing” is a film by Sherman Alexie. A discussion with Ty Smith, director of the Native American Cultural Center and Foula Dimopoulos, director of the GLBT Resource Center will follow the film.

Café Cultura, 6-8 p.m. Nov. 7, LSC Commons
Café Cultura promotes unity and healing among Indigenous peoples through creative expression while empowering youth to find their voice, reclaim oral and written traditions and become leaders in their communities. This is an open-mic night with spoken word as the performance.

Duhesa Art Lounge exhibit opening: “The Awakening” by Douglas Miles, 5-8 p.m. Nov. 8, LSC Duhesa Lounge
Native American Heritage Month celebrates the opening of a new exhibition of work by contemporary Native American artists. Highlighting the creativity and passion of these living artists, the exhibit continues the celebration of Native American cultures throughout its stay at CSU. The ceremony includes Drum Group performances and the current featured artist Douglas Miles. The exhibit is sponsored by Student Activities and the Lory Student Center Arts Program.

Steve Judd presents: “Search for the World’s Best Indian Taco,” 6-8 p.m. Nov. 12, LSC Grey Rock Room
This film tells a story about a Choctaw grandfather who regales his grandson with a magical story of a man named Three Shades of Black and his quest to find the world’s best Indian taco. Written and directed by Steven Judd (Kiowa/Choctaw), the film is a product of Judd’s production company, Restless Natives Motion Picture Production Company, which aims to offset the stereotypical portrayal of American Indians.

Native Trivia Night at the Ramskeller, 6-8 p.m. Nov. 13, LSC Ramskeller
Stop for a chance to win prizes and learn about Native American Heritage. The event is co-sponsored by the Association for Student Activity Programming.

Women@Noon: Native Quilting Traditions, noon-1 p.m. Nov. 14, LSC Room 224-226
Katrina Gillette and Leslee Lovato will talk about the how they have incorporated Native Quilting traditions into programming for Native Women’s Circle. This session of Women@Noon is sponsored by the Women and Gender Advocacy Center, Native Women’s Circle and Native American Cultural Center.

Throughout the month of November, several Native American book displays also will be showcased:
– CSU Bookstore, Lory Student Center
– Morgan Library, CSU campus
– Fort Collins Public Library, 201 Peterson Street

Sponsors for this year’s Native American Heritage Month include: Associated Students of Colorado State University, American Indian Science & Engineering Society, Ethnic Studies; Native Women’s Circle, Division of Student Affairs, CSU Bookstore, Morgan Library, Lory Student Center, Poudre River Public Library District, Campus Activities, Native American Student Association, Lory Student Center Arts Program, Women and Gender Advocacy Center and the Ram Nation Drum Group.

For more information, visit: www.nacc.colostate.edu or call (970) 491-1332.

-30-