UM to Celebrate American Indian Heritage Sept. 23-25
MISSOULA – The University of Montana plans a three-day celebration to recognize American Indian heritage, Wednesday through Friday, Sept. 23-25. All events are free and open to the public, except lunch at the Food Zoo on Friday.
The schedule is:
§ Wednesday, Sept. 23: “Rock Your Mocs” Day. People are encouraged to wear moccasins all day in celebration of American Indian heritage.
§ Thursday, Sept. 24: Curated indigenous traditional regalia and clothing display, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Bonnie HeavyRunner Gathering Place, Payne Family Native American Center, UM.
§ Friday, Sept. 25: American Indian Heritage Day
7 a.m.: Sunrise ceremony, led by Patrick Weaselhead and LeeAnn Bruised Head, Storytelling Area outside Payne Center.
8:15 a.m.: Light refreshments, Bonnie HeavyRunner Gathering Place, Payne Center.
8:30 a.m.: Teepee raising with UM Native American student groups, the Oval.
9 a.m.-4 p.m.: Curated indigenous traditional regalia and clothing display, Bonnie HeavyRunner Gathering Place, Payne Center.
9:30-11:30 a.m.: Natural resource-focused activities such as a wildlife app, animal furs and skulls, animal X-rays, stomp rockets and spin activities; lawn north of the Forestry Building. Sponsored by UM’s spectrUM and College of Forestry and Conservation.
10 a.m.-noon: Student group information and crafts fair, Bonnie HeavyRunner Gathering Place, Payne Center.
10:30-11:45 a.m.: First Nations hoop dance exhibition by Terrance Littletent, Bonnie HeavyRunner Gathering Place, Payne Center.
11 a.m.: The Food Zoo will offer an indigenous menu. Open only to the UM community for $10.25 without a meal plan or $7.69 using Bear Bucks. Lommasson Center.
Noon: American Indian Heritage Day proclamation by UM President Royce Engstrom;
includes opening prayer, traditional dancing and drumming; Payne Center.
12:30 p.m.: Native American traditional games, led by UM Native American Studies Chair Wade Davies, the Oval.
2-3:30 p.m.: Stargazing in the Payne Center Stargazing Room and planetarium, every half hour at 2 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
For more information on the day’s activities or to volunteer, call Michelle Guzman, Native American studies adviser, at 406-243-5831 or email michelle.guzman@mso.umt.edu.
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