George Washington kicked off its celebration of Native American Heritage Month yesterday with a musical performance by Michael Jacobs of the Cherokee Nation in Marvin Center’s Columbian Square.
The performance marked the beginning of a series of events commemorating the month, hosted by the GW Native American Student Association and local Native American organizations and co-sponsored by GW’s Multicultural Student Services Center (MSSC).
“It is important to celebrate and honor Native Americans—and indigenous people of any culture this month—because much can be learned from the struggles they have endured and the battles they continue to fight,” said senior Sarah Jackson, president of the GW Native American Student Association.
“The Native American Student Association strives to spread awareness of these cultures and encourage the GW community to take a greater interest in the Native American way of life and their vast traditions,” she said.
This month’s events include:
- Chikasha Poya: We Are Chickasaw, a three-day festival hosted by the National Museum of the American Indian
- “Pie Party” fundraiser to benefit Native American youth
- Inter-tribal Round Dance held at Eastern Market’s North Hall
- A beaded amulet bag tutorial and lecture
- Resume critique sponsored by the GW Career Center
- Panel discussion on issues affecting Native American youth at the Aspen Institute
- MSSC’s annual Thanksgiving dinner, sponsored by the Native American Student Association
The Native American Student Association is also selling t-shirts as a fundraiser for its organization in the MSSC at 2127 G St., NW for $10. GWorld or cash is accepted.
For more information, email nasagwu
gwu [dot] edu (nasagwu[at]gwu[dot]edu).