NSU Center for Tribal Studies aims to educate

Northeastern State Universitys Center Tribal Studies will feature two films as part of the 43rd Annual Symposium on the American Indian.

On Tuesday, April 14, kicking off the Symposium will be "Ronnie Bodean," a short film starring Oklahoma native and Cherokee, Wes Studi. The film was also directed and produced by Steven Judd, an Oklahoma-native and Kiowa and Choctaw. Studi is known for his unforgettable roles in films such as Dances with Wolves, The Last of the Mohicans, Geronomi: An American Legend, and most recently, Avatar.

The viewing will begin at 7 p.m. in the Webb Auditorium, and will be followed by a Q&A session with Studi and Judd.

"Ronnie Bodean," classified as both an action and a comedy film, takes viewers on a wild trip, following a self-proclaimed outlaw on his biggest challenge to date, which unfortunately begins with the hangover of the century. Bodean finds himself babysitting his neighbors children after shes taken to jail, and what ensues is sure to have the audience rolling.

On Wednesday, April 15, also at 7 p.m. in Webb Auditorium, the film series will take a more serious note, featuring the story of the Hominy Indians inPlayground of the Native Son. The film is a feature-length docu-drama produced by Celia Davis, a Hawaii-native who currently lives in Oklahoma and Los Angeles.

During the late 1920s and the early 1930s Oklahoma had its own All-Native Professional Football team, the Hominy Indians, composed of players from 22 different tribes. Following a 22-game winning streak in 1927, the team was granted the opportunity of a lifetime, to take on the then-World Champions, the New York Giants.

Both film viewing are free and open to the public. The films are only one component of a week filled with educational, entertaining and diversity-filled events beginning on April 14 and culminating with the NSU Powwow onApr. 18. 

For more information, contact the Center for Tribal Studies at 918-444-4350 ortribalstudies@nsuok.edu.