In person celebrations and observances of Native American Heritage Month will return to Ferris and KCAD for the first time since the pandemic began.
Combined efforts from the Center for Student Involvement, the Office of Multicultural Student Services and the Ziibiwing Center have filled the November calendar with various informative and cultural events. Beginning with a Nov. 2 lecture from Marcella Hadden, this month will provide students with many opportunities to learn the traditions of indigenous tribes in the Great Lakes region.
Hadden is a Mt. Pleasant based Anishinaabe photographer and businesswoman, specializing in Native American portraits and nature photography. Hadden is also the owner of Niibing Giizis, a photography studio named after the Anishnabemowin term for “summer moon.”
Other events include hands-on cultural activities and movie screenings, such as “Warrior Lawyers: Defenders of Sacred Justice,” an educational PBS documentary produced by University of Michigan alumnus Audrey Geyer. Following this viewing, Geyer will be present for a group discussion.
Darnell Lewis, Assistant Director of OMSS, believes that by attending these events, students can develop “an appreciation for diversity and cultural competency.”
Student Activities Coordinator Nick Smith explained that members of the CSI and OMSS meet regularly to discuss campus events. Recognizing and celebrating cultural heritage is their self-proclaimed priority.
With Native American Heritage Month approaching, they wanted to collaborate with local indigenous tribes to provide students with something “amazing and impactful.”
The Ziibiwing Center of Anishinabe Culture and Lifeways is one of the groups that the CSI and OMSS reached out to. The Center, located in Mt. Pleasant, preserves art and artifacts of the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe of Michigan and other Great Lakes Anishinabek.
As explained in their mission statement, the Center believes that their purpose is to recognize, communicate and support the culture, diversity and spirit of the Anishinaabe.
Several indigenous tribes are included in the Great Lakes Anishinabek, including the Chippewa, Ojibwe, Potawatomi, Algonquin and Odawa. According to Native Land Digital, Mecosta County is located on Odawa land.
With holidays approaching, sophomore Hannah Tecumseh believes it is important to learn about indigenous history. She explained that Halloween “calls for cultural appropriation.”
“Many people dress up as Native American Chiefs or ‘Indian Princesses,’ which I think is highly offensive. Culture is not a Halloween costume. I grew up wearing authentic and sacred dresses that cheap Halloween stores portray,” Tecumseh said.
Tecumseh has seen confusion surrounding the indigenous history and culture that her family feels a close connection to. She encourages students to educate themselves on upcoming events with an open mind.
Originating as “American Indian Day,” arranged by Seneca tribe member Arthur C. Parker in 1915, the celebration of indigenous culture in America has grown immensely.
Native American Heritage month has been observed nationally since 1995. For the past 26 years, the sitting U.S. president has made their own proclamation in light of the month-long celebration.
Originating as “American Indian Day,” arranged by Seneca tribe member Arthur C. Parker in 1915, the celebration of indigenous culture in America has grown immensely.
Native American Heritage month has been observed nationally since 1995. For the past 26 years, the sitting U.S. president has made their own proclamation in light of the month-long celebration.
For more information on how to observe this month within the Ferris community, students may view the University Web Calendar or contact a member of the OMSS.
