North Idaho College to host American Indian Heritage Week
Freida Poirier helps Eva Dove Melting Tallow dress for an event at a previous American Indian Heritage Week. The series of events will be held March 24-28 this year. Visit nic.edu/events for the full North Idaho College calendar.
Photo courtesy of North Idaho College
North Idaho College will celebrate American Indian Heritage Week, events that highlight the culture and history of Native peoples, March 24 through March 28.
The public is encouraged to attend.
“For current students as well as lifelong learners, this annual event provides an opportunity to dig into the current achievements and concerns of our Native American communities,” Amy Bardwell, American Indian student adviser, said in a Friday news release. “This year I’m glad we get to hear from departments of the local Coeur d’Alene Tribe that are making valuable contributions in our region.”
The schedule includes:
March 24
• 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Edminster Student Union Building Plaza. Support the NIC American Indian Student Alliance. Warm frybread for $5.
March 25
• Noon, Lake Coeur d’Alene Room, SUB second floor. “The Language of the People Who Were Found Here." Coeur d’Alene Tribal Member and language expert Cheffrey Sailto will present on why the Tribe believes it is important to sustain its language and how the Tribe is helping young people learn and use it.
• 1 p.m., Lake Coeur d’Alene Room, “We Will Speak” film screening. Native American children were punished for speaking their language 100 years ago. Despite persecution, language prevailed. This film highlights the importance of education as Cherokee Nation takes steps to revitalize language use in their community and among tribal members.
March 26
• 1 p.m., Blue Creek Conference Room, Indigenous Knowledge for Effective Education Program (IKEEP). Presentation on a University of Idaho program that helps teachers become more aware of incorporating cultural understanding and practices that can engage students.
March 27
• 1 p.m., Lake Coeur d’Alene Room, “Coeur d’Alene Tribe Natural Resources Objectives." Jesse Steele, a forester of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, will speak on workforce development and how the Tribe approaches environmental issues.
March 28
• 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., American Indian Student Center, SUB lower level. Drop-in beading workshop. Participants will make lanyard keychains using this traditional activity. Materials will be provided by the NIC American Indian Student Alliance.
Info: nic.edu/events