Students host Native Appreciation Day
PRESQUE ISLE — Students from the University of Maine at Presque Isle’s Native Voices group hosted a day-long event meant to develop strong connections between higher education and the Native American/First Nations indigenous populations by setting aside a day on campus that focused on their culture and traditions.
The group hosted the fourth annual Native Appreciation Day on Saturday, April 16, in Wieden Hall. All interested students, faculty, staff and members of the general public were welcome to attend and participate in this free event, which was supported by Project Compass.
About 150 people attended the first year’s event, and about 400 attended the event in 2010. Nicholas Paul, spokesperson for Native Voices, said the student group is hoping to see the event continue to grow this year and that organizers are pleased to include the addition of a competition powwow to the day’s activities.
Native Appreciation Day was conceived in late 2007 by David Perley, a councilor with the Tobique First Nation in New Brunswick, and a lecturer for the University of Maine, the University of New Brunswick and St. Thomas University. Native Voices since has carried on the tradition.
The event served as a way for the University and the Native communities to meet, mingle and learn, and included a basket-making demonstration by Donna Sanipass, storytelling with John Bear Mitchell and traditional social dances during the day with Brenda Lazado.
An afternoon and evening of traditional dancing competitions included a Grand Entry and Opening Ceremonies. Dance categories included: Senior Women, Senior Men, Junior Girls, Junior Boys, Teen Girls, Teen Boys, Women and Men. All of these categories had separate Traditional and Fancy/Jingle competitions. There was also a Tiny Tots category for the youngest participants.
Following dinner, which was sponsored by Project Compass and Native Voices, tie-breaker competitions were held and prizes awarded.
For more information about this event or Native Voices, contact Myrth Schwartz at 768-9792.
