Celebrating Native American Cultural Education Week

DAVENPORT, Iowa – A weeklong celebration of Native American culture through film, lectures, traditional food and a live drum and dance exhibition will be held Sept. 24-28 at Scott Community College.

The event’s purpose is twofold: to educate students, staff and faculty about Native American culture and to raise money for a family in need living on a reservation.

Kicking off the event at 11:40 a.m. Monday, Sept. 24, in the Student Life Center (SLC) is “Spirit – the Seventh Fire,” a film that tells the story of “Everyman.” Caught up in the daily distractions of life, Everyman is thrown from his cubical to begin a journey that renews within him the mystery, beauty and spirit of his ancestors. Everyman takes the audience with him on this amazing journey. The beauty of the dance, music and film brings audiences of all ages to tears and to their feet.

The two-hour film will be shown in two parts. The second half will be viewed at 11:40 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 26, in the SLC.

An open discussion concerning the film’s iconography and contextual meaning will be held on Friday, Sept. 28 in xxxx. During that time, student and event organizer Jennifer Nesahkluah will make a brief presentation on her personal heritage and knowledge pertaining to native beliefs and practices.

 Guest speaker Preston Duncan of the Meskwaki Nation of Tama, Iowa, will talk on “The Native Perspective” from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 25, behind the college cafeteria. A relative to descendants of Black Hawk, Preston has given his presentation at Black Hawk State Historic Museum, Augustana and Black Hawk colleges, Trinity Medical Center and previously at Scott Community College. Duncan is a spiritualist and a historian among his people and others. The target audience for this talk is: students in anthropology; history; philosophy; religions; sociology; psychology, and English. Extra credit may be available for students who write a short reflection about Duncan’s talk. The talk also will be recorded and available in the college library.

An “Indian Taco Fundraiser” will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 25, and Thursday, Sept. 27, outside the cafeteria. Indian Tacos are a trademark to most Native American Pow Wows and events. Traditional Frybread (traditional to most North American tribes -- post-government ration/reservation period) will be used. The filling is similar to Mexican tacos with lettuce, tomato, cheese and onions. Indian Tacos, however, use pinto beans instead of hamburger. Both hamburger meat and beans will be offered.

Proceeds from this fundraiser will go to purchase a wood stove for a Native American family in need on the Pine Ridge, S.D., reservation.

A Native Drum group will perform along with a dozen dancers in full regalia from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 27, behind the school cafeteria. The dancers are from various tribes; their dance style and regalia show how spirituality and culture go hand in hand to exemplify personal and tribal identities. Traditional tribal songs will be sung.

Students and faculty will be invited to join in a Friendship Dance and a Two-Step Dance.

In case of inclement weather, all events will take place in the Student Life Center. For more information contact Jennifer Nesahkluah at 563-320-5416 or jnesahkluah@hotmail.com.