LEWISTON, Idaho – Lewis-Clark State College will celebrate its 37th annual Native American Awareness Week on March 18-22 with a variety of speakers, events, a banquet, and powwows. This year’s theme is “Highlighting History & Language.”
All events are free and open to the public and will be held at the Williams Conference Center unless otherwise noted.
Monday, March 18
- 9-10:15 a.m. – “The 1924 Indian Citizenship Act: 100-year Anniversary” – A discussion of the legislation and its impact on tribes and individuals featuring Julie Kane, managing attorney of the Office of Legal Counsel of the Nez Perce Tribe, Samuel Penney, Nez Perce Tribal Executive Committee member, and Ann McCormack, Nez Perce Tribe economic development planner.
- 10:30-11:45 a.m. – “Nez Perce Elders Panel: Reflections and Perspectives of History and Highlights of the 1900s” – Discussion topics include Tribal veterans, Tribal government, legislative actions and more. Panel participants are Wilfred (Scotty) Scott, Leroy Seth, Mary Jane Miles, Steve Evans and Connie Evans.
- 1:30-2:45 p.m. – “Rise Above: Empowering Native Youth to Lead Healthy Lives” – A presentation by Jaci McCormack, president and founder of Rise Above, a Seattle-based non-profit.
- 3-4:15 p.m. – Nez Perce Language Students Workshop – LC State Nez Perce language 102 and 202 students will provide short lessons, games and handouts to participants.
- 6-8 p.m. – Friendship Dinner – The event will include student acknowledgements and the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Tuesday, March 19
- 9:30 a.m.-1:15 p.m. – Language/Knowledge Bowl – In collaboration with the LC State Nez Perce language classes and Nez Perce language teachers and elders, the competition will focus on Nimiipuutimt, the Nez Perce language.
- 1:30-2:45 p.m. – Nez Perce Language Roundtable – Facilitated by LC State professor Harold Crook, with Nez Perce language teachers, elders and students will discuss programs, classes and future opportunities in Sacajawea Hall, Room 115.
Wednesday, March 20
- 10-11:15 a.m. – Mini-Powwow featuring area fourth grade classes at the P1FCU Activities Center.
- 6-7:30 p.m. – Evening of Storytelling at the Silverthorne Theatre.
Friday, March 22
- 7-11:30 p.m. – Powwow & Scholarship Raffle at the P1FCU Activity Center.
LC State’s Native American Awareness Week is presented by the LC State Native American Club with special thanks to the Associated Students of LCSC, the Idaho Humanities Council, the Nez Perce Tribe, and the Clearwater River Casino and Lodge.
For more information, visit the event webpage or contact Bob Sobotta, director of Native American, Minority & Veterans Services, at 208-792-2858 or bsobotta@lcsc.edu.