Friday, October 30, 2009

As part of National Native American Heritage Month, the University of North Carolina Wilmington is celebrating Native American Heritage Week Nov. 2-7 with numerous activities on campus, including a powwow Saturday, Nov. 7.

The UNCW Multicultural Center and the Campus Activities and Involvement Center (CAIC) have planned several programs throughout the week to highlight the roles and culture of American Indians and their part in our nation's history as well as in local North Carolina history.

"This month serves as a much-needed reminder to recognize the efforts, struggles and triumphs of Native Americans to find comfort in a society whose beliefs and value systems often severely contrast their own," said Kimberly McLaughlin-Smith, director of the Multicultural Center.

Scheduled events include films, lectures and open dialogue discussions, culminating in the Annual Native American Powwow from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7 in the atrium of the Education Building. This event will include authentic Native American presenters and dancers, Native American vocalists and musicians, and vendors with Native American jewelry and artifacts.

All of the week's activities are free and open to the public. Events include:

Monday, Nov. 2: Lecture by David La Vere in the Department of History on "North Carolina's American Indians before the English," in Azalea Coast Room B, Fisher University Union, 6-7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 3: Film "Smoke Signals," in Lumina Theater, Fisher Student Center, 7 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 5: "Culturally Speaking" talk show hosted by Kimberly McLaughlin-Smith featuring Native American topics, 7-8 p.m. on the Learning Channel, channel 5 on Time-Warner Cable and Channel 12 on Charter Cable.

Friday, Nov. 6: Multicultural Women's Discussion Circle facilitated by Sunshine Costanzo, Miss N.C. Native American Youth 2008, 6-7:30 p.m., Saffo Room, Fisher Student Center.

Saturday, Nov. 7: Annual Native American Powwow, Education Building atrium, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information, contact Kimberly McLaughlin Smith at 910.962.4274 or smithkm@uncw.edu

Media contact:
Dana Fischetti, media relations manager, 910.962.7259 or fischettid@uncw.edu