Canku Ota

(Many Paths)

An Online Newsletter Celebrating Native America

April 5, 2003 - Issue 84

American Indian influence promoted at Oklahoma University

The Annual Oklahoma University Tipi Set Up began its two weeks of events.

Veering from the image of traditional headdresses, American Indian Student Services is providing Oklahoma University with a cultural influx of events that exemplify its genuine culture.

The next two weeks of events hold many opportunities for Oklahoma University students in multicultural awareness. From educating students about the diversity of American Indians to promoting its influence on the Oklahoma University campus, AISS is dedicated to illuminating its lifestyles and intentions.

"American Indian Student Services (AISS) at Oklahoma University is dedicated to providing the needed support and assistance necessary to help American Indian students successfully accomplish their goals," according to the organizations Web site. "AISS is the designated liaison office for students, university departments, alumni and tribes throughout the country."

The Annual Oklahoma University Tipi Set Up with blessing took place on the east side of Ellison Hall on Monday. It was followed with a reception at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History.

Today, the Oklahoma University Health Sciences Center is hosting a Shadow Day for Oklahoma University students from the Norman campus. Darren Northcutt, political science junior, said the day is held to facilitate growth in the career world and to aid with job skills for American Indian students.

"I feel this whole week will give people a different aspect of American Indian culture," Northcutt said.

"We are concerned with different issues. We are concerned about the arts and gaming policies," Northcutt said. "There are a lot of people that do not know about our culture. That is the purpose of the Awareness and Celebration week -- to inform the students of our culture."

Northcutt said he felt the culmination of the two weeks is the Contest Powwow. While the most participation is seen at this event, the screening of Chris Eyre's film "Skins" is his most anticipated event.

"I am most interested in the Chris Eyre film screening. He is a Native American film director and is showing his new film 'Skins' here at Oklahoma University," Northcutt said. "It has been shown at the Sundance Festival and he is going to be screening it here at Oklahoma University."

The Chris Eyre film will be shown at 7 PM in 102 Nielson Hall. A reception will follow in the Native American Studies Lounge on the second floor of Ellison Hall.

With such diverse tribes and traditions within the American Indian community, Kendrick Sweezy, University College freshman, concedes that the focal viewpoint of American Indians is unjustly all powwow and glam.

"I think the next two weeks of events is a good way to help people realize there is a lot more diversity with American Indians than people initially think of," Sweezy said. "Most people just think of Plains people with big headdresses. But there are different tribes in different parts of the United States.

"I think this is a good way for Oklahoma University to promote Native Americans of the university and of the entire nation."

Upcoming events include the R.A.I.N. & Storyweavers Dinner at 6:30 PM Wednesday at Jim Thorpe Multicultural Center, and American Indian Student Association Indian Taco Sale which will be held from 10:30 AM to 2 PM Friday at the Jim Thorpe Multicultural Center.

Events

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