September 16, 2010

 

Contacts:

Reno Charette, American Indian Outreach, 657-2144
Dan Carter, University Relations, 657-2269

 

Art, tipis, games and dancing to fill main campus for day of cultural awareness 

 

MSU BILLINGS NEWS SERVICES — The unique cultures and philosophies of American Indians will be celebrated in full on Sept. 24 during 2010 American Indian Heritage Day at Montana State University Billings.

 

American Indian in full regalia

College students and other participants from tribes throughout the state will fill the university’s main campus for art, games and educational activities during the event, set for Friday, Sept. 24 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. All events — which take place between the Student Union Building and McMullen Hall — are free and open to everyone.

 

Reno Charette, director of American Indian Outreach at MSU Billings and coordinator of the event, said American Indian Heritage Day is a perfect opportunity for the university and the Billings community to become more acquainted with a rich and diverse heritage.

 

Registration is open at 8:10 a.m. in the Student Union Building. The activities will begin at 8:30 a.m. with a traditional flag-raising followed by nearly a host of different venues about American Indian culture. Some events have been scheduled around MSU Billings class times so that faculty and students could attend as a class, Charette said.

 

Events include:

  • Ledger art demonstrations and activities (all day)
  • Tipi raising techniques and demonstrations (9:20-10:20 a.m.)
  • Native games in Peaks to Plains Park (10:30-11:30 a.m.)
  • Fashion Show in the SUB (11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.)
  • Plains Indian sign language demonstration and discussion with Ron Garritson (11:40 a.m. -12:40 p.m.)
  • Native Dancers in the SUB/McMullen mall area (12:50-2:20 p.m.)

Exhibitors and vendors will also be a part of the event.

 

To find out more contact Charette at 657-2144 or at rcharette@msubillings.edu