UNCA Celebrates Native American Heritage Month

Film screenings, traditional storytelling and a pow wow demonstration will highlight UNCA’s celebration Native American Heritage Month throughout November. Events are open to the public. All events will be held at UNCA’s Highsmith Center Lounge, unless otherwise indicated.

-- A screening of "In Whose Honor?" a one-hour documentary exploring the long-running practice of using Native American mascots and nicknames in sports, will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 1. A discussion moderated by George Benge, Asheville Citizen-Times executive editor, will follow.

-- Tuscarora/Cherokee storyteller Ramona Moore Big Eagle will tell stories about Native American history, rights and rituals at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 2. Native American artifacts will be on display during her presentation.

-- A screening of "Little Big Man," a fictional account of the sole survivor of Custer’s last stand at Little Big Horn, will be held at 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 3.

-- George Benge, Asheville Citizen-Times executive editor, will give the celebration’s keynote address at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9. Benge will describe his personal experiences growing up as a Native American in America.

-- A screening of the documentary "Primal Mind" will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 15. The film explores the differences in how Native Americans and people of Western or European heritage experience themselves and their environment. A discussion moderated by Joyce Dugan, former chief of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Tribe, will follow.

-- Traditional Navajos Leo and Sarah Natani will discuss "The Navajo Way of Life" at noon Tuesday, Nov. 21, in UNCA’s Laurel Forum, Karpen Hall. Sarah Natani, an internationally acclaimed weaver, will demonstrate traditional Navajo weaving.

-- A pow wow demonstration will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30.

UNCA’s Native American Heritage Month events are sponsored by the UNCA Office of Multicultural Student Programs, Humanities Department, Cultural Events Committee, Underdog Productions, After Hours Series, Housing Office and Amnesty International.

For more information, contact Octavia Wright, UNCA Multicultural Student Programs Coordinator, at 828/251-6671.

Media Contacts:

• Octavia Wright, Multicultural Student Programs Coordinator, 828/251-6671
• Jill Yarnall, UNCA Public Information Assistant, 828/251-6526