NSU Center for Tribal Studies welcomes students and faculty

The Center for Tribal Studies at Northeastern State University recently hosted a traditional Cherokee Hog Fry on the back lawn of the historic Bacone House to welcome students, faculty and staff back to campus for the fall semester.

Cherokee Nation Human Resources, NSU Student Affairs, NSU Student Activities and the RiverHawks Engagement Committee co-sponsored the event. The food was prepared outdoors at the Cherokee Nation Powwow Ground by volunteers under the direction of Charlie Soap, Cherokee Nation Tribal Services. Brenda Lance, Kim McClure, Brenda Tiger and Emma Tune from Cherokee Nation Human Resources, along with Dianna Turtle from Government Relations served food to an estimated 150 attendees as outdoor temperatures reached the high nineties.

We hope this years welcome event, with the fun theme Meat and Greet, is a demonstration of the community spirit that is nurtured here at NSU, with the help of Cherokee Nation and other tribal groups throughout the year, said Sedelta Oosahwee, coordinator for Student Programs at the Center. We appreciate Cherokee Nation Human Resources being one of our supporters in higher education career development through events such as this one.

Oosahwee works directly with Native students, student organizations and serves on the NSU Enrollment Management Team, as well as the RiverHawks Engagement Committee.

With tables and tents set up on the back lawn, students, faculty and staff enjoyed hog meat, potatoes, beans, watermelon and fry bread while music played, and everyone got a chance to network and meet new people.

This year, the Center wanted to make an impact on Native American students and to help draw them into the campus life by getting them involved not only socially, but in scholarly activities as well, said Asa Lewis, staff assistant at the Center. Six Native American focused student organizations set up information tables at the event to help recruit students and to get them involved.

Student organization presidents took the podium to speak about their respective organizations and to welcome new members. NSU President Don Betz addressed the audience, followed by Cherokee Nation Deputy Chief Joe Grayson. Oosahwee served as coordinator for the event, with assistance from student volunteers and Center for Tribal Studies staff.

Northeastern State University graduates more American Indian students than any other public four-year university. The Center is the central contact point at NSU for learning about academic programs focused toward American Indians, financial assistance, student organizations and opportunities.

The Center represents the Native population on campus administrative committees, develops programs and serves as a liaison to tribal governments and communities, other Native American-serving institutions of higher education and related agencies, said Dr. Phyllis Fife, director.

The Center for Tribal Studies is located southwest of the main campus on Academy Street, while a convenient campus office is located in the John Vaughan Library. For more information, call 918-444-4350.