AVONDALE, Arizona – Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC), one of the ten Maricopa Community Colleges, will recognize Native American Heritage Month during the month of November in order to expand cultural awareness and celebrate the traditions of the people who have made the American Southwest their homeland for centuries. All events are held on the campus of EMCC at 3000 North Dysart Road in Avondale, and are free and open to the community.
A recent Presidential Proclamation was signed to officially acknowledge and honor the many ways American Indians and Alaska Natives have enriched our Nation
Kick-Off Event: Wednesday, Nov. 7; 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Komatke Courtyard
EMCC’s traditional kick-off of Native American Heritage Month is always a campus and community favorite. This year, the legendary Hoop Dance will be performed by 2011 World Hoop Dance Champion and Arizona native, Brian Hammell. Additionally, there will be a complimentary native food tasting featuring frybread and Yaqui Stew, “Awaki Vaki.”
Presentation: “Code Talkers:” Tuesday, Nov. 13, 11:00 a.m., Student Union
ASU English Professor Dr. Laura Tohe will share the stories and experiences of small group of Navajo men enlisted in the Marines with a unique armor. During WWII, this select group of men devised a code using the Navajo language to pass secret information without the enemy ever deciphering or breaking the code. Tohe will discuss how the code was devised and used, through personal quotes from the Marines, why the men enlisted, and display several photos including personal photos from Dr. Tohe’s family.
Film & Discussion: Friday, Nov. 16, 1:00 p.m., Plaza Gallery
The award-winning film “Trails of Tears: Cherokee Legacy,” directed by Chip Richie and Steven R. Heape, presented by Wes Studi and narrated by James Earl Jones, explores America’s darkest period: President Andrew Jackson’s Indian Removal Act of 1830 and the forced removal of the Cherokee Nation to Oklahoma in 1838. Nearly a quarter of the Cherokee National died during the Trail of Tears, arriving in Indian Territory with few elders and even fewer children. Winner of the Silver World Medal for History at the 2007 New York Festivals, 2007 Telly Award, Best Documentary at the 2006 American Indian Film Festival, and many more. (Run Time:105 minutes.)
Film & Discussion: Friday, Nov.16, 1:00 p.m., Plaza Gallery
The award-winning film “Native American Healing in the 21st Century,” directed by Chip Richie, takes a comprehensive look at the healing practices of American Indians and how many of those natural remedies are applicable to today's alternative health-conscious society. It discusses the invaluable contributions the Native Americans made to our early frontier heritage and shows how many of those same healing plants and herbs are an important source of today’s modern methods of maintaining health. Winner of the Best Intercultural Documentary, the 2004 International Cherokee Film Festival, Crystal Award of Excellence, and a 1999 Telly Award. (Run Time: 40 minutes)
For additional information about the Native American Heritage Month events at EMCC, contact Brittany Bennett at 623-935-8248.