The campus is invited to share an appreciation of the richness of Native American culture Thursday, Nov. 14, from noon to 2 p.m. in the Durham Outpatient Center West Atrium. The event was rescheduled from October’s Native American Heritage Month activities sponsored by the NHS/UNMC Employee Diversity Network.
Elmer Blackbird, a member of the Omaha tribe, is master of ceremonies for the program. Blackbird is the great-nephew of Susan LaFlesche Picotte, M.D., the first Native American female physician in the United States. Her sister, Susette LaFlesche was the interpreter for Ponca chief Standing Bear during his famous trial before the U.S. District Court in Omaha in 1879.
Standing Bear challenged the U.S. government’s treatment of Native Americans. His victory was the first federal court determination that Native Americans had the same constitutional rights of any American citizen.
During the Nov. 14 activities, Native American Terri Nockai Kalinowski will host an art exhibit that will feature 15 selections of Native American culture from across the country. There also will be up to 10 dancers, along with three singers to provide the musical cadence and drum rhythms. There will be men’s and women’s dancing, said Ella Alexander, a member of the Omaha tribe.
The dance styles — which refer to the type of clothing worn by the dancers and the speed and cadence of the steps — will include traditional, grass dancing, fancy shawl and jingle dress dancing. The singers will be Eugene Pappan, Rufus White and Sage Stabler, all members of the Omaha tribe. The dancing activity will offer an educational look at the intricacy and cultural meaning of the different styles.
James Armitage, M.D., dean of the UNMC College of Medicine, will offer personal remarks to the audience near the end of the program.
The free event is open to all UNMC and NHS staff, faculty and students. For more information, contact Joan Philbert at 559-2097.