Performer brings American Indian heritage to life at UNMC

Resplendent in a white buckskin dress, beaded moccasins and crown, Alpha Marie Goombi recounted her youth growing up in southern Oklahoma.

“I remember hearing this rattle and my grandfather singing songs every morning. I grew up surrounded by the songs of my people,” Goombi said.

Goombi, a member of the Kiowa nation, performed Native American storytelling, dance and sign language, at the recent Employee Diversity Network Lecture and Cultural Arts Series on Nov. 12.

Alpha Marie Goombi recently performed Native American storytelling, dance and sign language at UNMC.

“There is a human spirit in all of us and we can’t disregard one another because of our culture,” Goombi said.

The hour-long performance was highlighted by Goombi performing a slow war dance to the hand drum and singing of Thomas Hinman, a member of the Northern Ponca tribe.

“We hope the UNMC community will continue to enjoy these educational events and join us in the planning of future events,” said Linda Cunningham, president of the Employee Diversity Network and diversity specialist in UNMC’s Human Resources Department.

EDN and UNMC’s Human Resources Department co-sponsor the series, which runs from October through June and features cultural performances, scholarly lectures and presentations about diversity topics that face our community and world.