Tuesday, June 09, 2009

The community is invited to enjoy a traditional powwow and a Native American pageant and talent show during the 30th Annual North Carolina Indian Youth Unity Conference, Monday, June 15 - Thursday, June 18.

For the first time, the University of North Carolina Wilmington will host the conference of more than 250 students in grades 9-12 from nine different Native American tribes.

The community is welcome to attend a powwow at 7 p.m. June 15 at the campus recreational field showcasing native dances, songs and traditions. A cultural talent show and Mister and Miss North Carolina Native American Youth Organization (NCNAYO) pageant will be at 6:30 p.m. June 16 in the Warwick Center.

The conference, planned by Native American teens and facilitated by adult mentors, focuses on curbing the high Native American college drop-out rate by teaching native high school students the importance of a college education. The UNC Wilmington Pre-College Program, which encourages middle and high school students, particularly minorities, to apply to college, is hosting the event.

The NCNAYO is a nonprofit organization established in June 1980 to promote a sense of unity and cultural appreciation for Indian youth in the state, provide an opportunity to voice concerns about issues that face them and their communities and establish an environment that allows youth to develop leadership abilities and explore new, educational opportunities. NCNAYO is governed by 60 Indian youth between the ages of 14 and 21.

Media are invited to promote public events and capture interview and visual opportunities throughout the conference.

Media Contacts:

Joy Davis, UNCW marketing and communications, 910.916.8603 or davisjc@uncw.edu