American Indian Heritage Week at NIC

North Idaho College is hosting a variety of events in honor of American Indian Heritage Week April 4-9. All events are being held in the NIC Edminster Student Union except for the weeklong “American Indian Voices Speaking to the Future” lecture series, which will be held in Molstead Library Todd Hall in the evenings. For a complete schedule of the week’s activities, visit www.nic.edu/events.

Monday, April 4

The weeklong series of events kicks off with Coyote Story Telling by Evanlene Melting Tallow from 10 to 11 a.m. Coeur d’Alene Vice Chair Ernie Stensgar speak on speak about leadership as part of the lecture series from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 5

A silent auction will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to benefit the Che’nshish Scholarship, a scholarship fund established by the American Indian Student Alliance Club through the NIC Foundation. Indian tacos, fry bread and pumpkin fry bread will be on sale from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Coeur d’Alene and Spokane tribal member Norma Peone will speak about education as part of the lecture series from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Wednesday, April 6

From 9 to 10 a.m., there will be a presentation from Quanah Matheson on Coeur d’Alene Tribal History. From 11 a.m. to noon, Navajo tribal member Jeremy Salazar will give a presentation on “People of the Rez.” Margo Aragon, professor at Walla Walla Community college and Northwest Indian College, will speak about American Indian students and STEM as part of the lecture series.

Thursday, April 7

Chippewa tribal member and attorney Howard Funke will speak about American Indian law as part of the lecture series.

Friday, April 8

From 6:30 to 9 p.m. there will be a free Native American craft workshop for families. The hands-on workshop is free for all ages. Families can learn how to make a dream catcher, drum necklaces, rain sticks, pony bead necklace and more. There will be free pizza and refreshments.

Saturday, April 9

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. a Gourd Art class will be offered.

The week of events is sponsored by NIC, American Indian Student Alliance Club, Coeur d’Alene School District No. 271 Indian Education Program, American Indian Advisory Committee, NIC American Indian Studies Program and the NIC Diversity Steering Committee.

Information: (208) 769-3365