Avondale, Arizona – October 21, 2011 – Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC) will recognize Native American Heritage Month during the month of November in order to expand cultural awareness and celebrate the traditions of the Indian cultures native to the American Southwest. All events are held on the campus of EMCC, 3000 North Dysart Road in Avondale, and are free and open to the community. Events and activities include food tastings, dance performances, films, art, speakers and a STEM career panel.
Kick-Off Event: Tuesday, November 1, 2011; 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Komatke Courtyard
EMCC will kick-off its Native American Heritage Month on Tuesday, November 1 at 11:00 a.m. in the college’s Komatke Courtyard with a traditional dance presentation featuring the legendary Hoop Dance, the Eagle Dance, Fancy Dance, Rainbow Dance and more. Additionally, there will be a complimentary native food tasting featuring frybread and Yaqui Stew, “Awaki Vaki.” A Native Health booth will be providing information regarding health services targeted for Native Americans residing in Maricopa County.
STEM Career Panel: Wednesday, November 2, 2011, 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., Plaza Gallery
The EMCC Emerging Scholars Program is sponsoring a panel discussion to inform students about the emerging careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). A diverse group of scientists, technologists and engineers will share information about their academic and professional careers, and their educational pathway experiences.
Film: Tuesday, November 8, 2011, various show times, Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL)
The film “Dance Me Outside” is a story of life on an Indian reservation in Ontario, Canada, where two college-bound students deal with balancing their college dreams with real life situations. Runtime is 84 minutes with showings at 8:30 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Speaker, Rep. Chris Deschene: Wednesday, November 9, 2011, 12:00 noon – 1:30 p.m., Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL)
District 2 State Representative, Chris Deschene, a member of the Arizona State Legislature and the first Native American to run for a statewide office, will speak about his beginning, how he came to run for political office, environmental causes he supports and recommendations for getting involved in our state’s sustainability initiatives.
Nov. 10 event CANCELLED. To be rescheduled.
Cultural Presentation “Díne Perspectives”: Thursday, November 10, 2011, 3:00 – 4:00 p.m., Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL)
Freddie Johnson, a cultural specialist at the Phoenix Indian Center, will share teachings on the Díne (Navajo) perspectives and lifestyles. The Phoenix Indian Center serves as a principle resource for Native Americans to promote and foster Native American culture and contribution to our society.
Artist Roy Boney, Jr. & Poster Session: Tuesday, November 15, 2010, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m., Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL)
In partnership with the EMCC Honors Program, Cherokee award winning artist and digital media specialist Roy Boney Jr. will present “Cherokee Syllabary: From Handwriting to Pixel.” He will cover the technological history of the Cherokee writing system, tracing the evolution of the syllabary from handwriting to its use on modern digital devices, such as phones and computers. Also, EMCC Native American Studies students collaborated with EMCC art students to present a display “Native American Stories as told and illustrated by EMCC students” where historic Native American stories are adapted and illustrated into visual art and posters.
For additional information about the Native American Heritage Month events at EMCC, contact Brittany Bennett at 623-935-8248.