Wright State celebrates Native American culture

Ernie LaPointe, great-grandson of Sitting Bull, Hunkpapa Lakota chief will speak at Wright State Thursday, Nov. 8 at 11 a.m.

Wright State will celebrate the colorful and extensive heritage of those native to our land as a part of Native American Heritage Month. By participating in the upcoming events, students, staff and faculty can learn about Native American culture, traditions and hardships.

Activities and events will take place across Wright State’s campus throughout the entire month of November.

Wednesday, Nov. 7

Documentary Film:

A Hidden America: The Children of the Plains

Following their relocation to the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, the Oglala Lakota Sioux rates of alcoholism, unemployment and diabetes skyrocketed. The levels of poverty are comparable to those of a Third World country. However, there are youth throughout the reservation, armed with grandiose dreams and heart-wrenching stories, that remain optimistic about the future. This documentary recounts the stories of those young people.

3:30 p.m., Multicultural Lounge (161 Millett)

Thursday, Nov. 8

Lecture: Sitting Bull: His Life and Legacy by Ernie LaPointe

Ernie LaPointe, great-grandson of Sitting Bull, Hunkpapa Lakota chief, will discuss the memories he has of his famous relative. He will share insights and perspectives on Sitting Bull’s life and the impact he had on Lakota culture. After his lecture, LaPointe will return to the Millett Atrium for an evening meet and greet.

Lecture: 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.. Millett Atrium

Meet and Greet: 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 14

Presentation:

Thanksgiving—The Native American Perspective

Guy Jones, executive director of the Miami Valley Council of Native Americans, will give a presentation on the various perspectives Native Americans hold concerning Thanksgiving. Some many see it as a day of giving thanks, but others see it as a holiday commemorating the colonies’ damage done to the indigenous tribes.

3:30 – 4:30 p.m., Millett Atrium

Wednesday, Nov. 28

Dreamcatcher Workshop

One of the most fascinating Native American traditions, dreamcatchers are handcrafted using beads, feathers and other materials. They are made to ward off bad spirits and to give the owner with pleasant dreams. Participants of this event will make their own dreamcatcher.

3:30 p.m. Multicultural Lounge (161 Millett)