Students mark start of Native American Heritage month

Watching and discussing "Smoke Signals" - the first feature length movie produced, directed and written by Native Americans - students from various groups on campus began the first of a series of events to celebrate Native American Heritage Month.

Several University associations are sponsoring the November activities, ranging from speeches to dinners. They organizers include the University chapter of the American Indian Science and Engineering Society, the Native American Student Association, the Native American Law Student Association and the American Culture program.

DANNY KALICK/Daily Public Health first-year student Shawna Red Cloud discusses the film "Smoke Signals" in the Huetwell Visitors Center last night.

Shannon Martin, Native American coordinator for the Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs, said the organizations began planning the activities in July with the formation of the Native American Programs Task Force - a group of 16 students, staff and faculty from the various Native American and cultural associations on campus.

She said one of the task force's major goals is to offer open discussion for students interested in their heritage.

"Another thrust of the programming is to bring about the awareness of the contributions of the Native American people to the larger campus community," Martin said, adding that collectively, the sponsoring student groups have about 30 "core members."

Yesterday's film, a 1998 Sundance Film Festival award winner, drew less than 10 students. Cristina Azocar, a doctoral candidate and member of the Upper Mattaponi Tribe of the Powhatan Nation, led a post viewing discussion last night. Azocar, who studies cultural stereotypes in the media, said movies and television shows often portray Indians as "shamans and stoic," and the movie "uses the stereotypes humorously in order to demystify stereotypes."

While small in number, NASA co-Chair Jackie Pilette said the event was stimulating for those who attended.

"There are a lot of things people are not comfortable talking about," Pilette said. "You could ask questions and people wouldn't look down on you."

While last night's event drew few in number, many organizers said they are optimistic about attendance at upcoming events. Martin said the campus organizations have been celebrating Native American Heritage Month for the last seven years, adding that while movie discussions rarely bring a crowd, others activities draw more than 400 people.

Martin said a much anticipated activity among organizers is the Nov. 16 discussion about what kind of roles Native Americans play shaping the American Identity. A history professor from the University of Colorado is scheduled to lead this discussion in the Rackham Amphitheater at 4 p.m.

Engineering senior Marissa Ettawageshik said an increased awareness about the upcoming events among students will bring them to the remainder to the heritage month events.

"We haven't done a lot of publicity yet," Ettawageshik said, adding NASA's plans include an increase in fliers and cooperation with the minority peer advisers in University residence halls.

11-11-99