NSU to host 52nd Annual Symposium on the American Indian
NSU to host 52nd Annual Symposium on the American Indian – April 7-12
TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – Northeastern State University is set to host the 52nd annual Symposium on the American Indian through April 7-12. The theme for this year’s symposium is “Reclamation for an Indigenous Future.”
The theme was born out of a desire to “reclaim” an Indigenous future, by creating a space for academics such as Dr. Donald Fixico (Sac & Fox Nation with Shawnee, Mvskoke and Seminole heritage), Dr. Cornel Pewewardy (Comanche and Kiowa) and Dr. Sky Wildcat (ᏣᎳᎩ (Cherokee with Mvskoke heritage) to present their perspectives as well as research on cultural knowledge and practices from the past.
“As the time for the 52nd annual Symposium on the American Indian quickly approaches, we are eager to celebrate a legacy of indigenous knowledge, art and cultural practices during this Northeastern tradition,” NSU President Rodney Hanley, said. “The symposium’s continued existence is evidence of the value of offering a platform that fosters cultural understanding and promotes collaboration.”
The annual event brings a list of scheduled events which will happen over the week-long period, including a Cherokee Film screening of the first episode of Amazon Prime series, The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power dubbed in ᏣᎳᎩ (the Cherokee language).
The symposium will also include daytime and evening events including traditional arts vendor booths, in-person concurrent sessions, NSU powwow, storytelling and more. All events are open and welcome to the public.
"As scholars, artisans and cultural experts converge at NSU, this year’s Symposium provides scholastic views of reclamations leading to a bright future," Elizabeth Bird, interim director of the Center for Tribal Studies, said. "We look forward to student presentations to add dimension to this exploration. This event features community and generational learning. Please join us!"
The program is sponsored by Northeastern State University, the Cherokee Nation, the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council, Councilor Candessa Tehee - District #2, the American Indian Heritage Committee and the Center for Tribal Studies.
For more information or a complete schedule of events, visit nsuok.edu/symposium, call 918-444-4350 or email tribalstudies@nsuok.edu.
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