2010
AIANSA
The American Indian/Alaskan Native Student Association began in 2003 as an effort between the Office of Diversity Programs & Services (ODPS) and a handful of students to create a support program for Native students at George Mason University. Over the years, AIANSA has grown to include Native and non-Native faculty, staff and community members.
HOW WE STARTED
In 1990, President George H.W. Bush approved a joint resolution designating November 1990 as “National American Indian Heritage Month.� Similar proclamations have been issued each year since 1994. National American Indian and Alaskan Native Heritage Month is celebrated to recognize the intertribal cultures and to educate the public about the heritage, history, art and traditions of the American Indian and Alaskan Native people.
American Indian/Alaskan Native Heritage Month
ODPS
ODPS serves students, cultural organizations, and the Mason community by promoting an environment that fosters and values human understanding and diversity. The goal of ODPS is to provide a campus environment where diversity is valued, appreciated, and celebrated. In addition, the office is devoted to increasing the awareness and knowledge of issues important to community harmony. For more information, visit the ODPS website at http://odps.gmu.edu.
TUES NOV. 2
Pre-Powwow Dance Workshop 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., JC Gold Room Get ready for the Powwow! Learn how to dance. Members of the American Indian/Alaskan Native Student Association will offer an introduction to traditional native dance, music, and regalia making. Everyone is welcome, but come prepared to move, learn and have a good time. Sponsored by American Indian/Alaskan Native Student Association and the Office of Diversity Programs & Services
THURS NOV. 4
Identity: Student Panel Discussion 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. JC Gold Room This year AIANSA’s student panel discussion is inspired by the multiethnic identities of our own members. Many of our members identify with multiple racial and ethnic groups including Native American, White, African-American and/ or Black, Hispanic, and Caribbean communities. We believe this is a reflection of our increasingly multiethnic society. In fact, today the multiracial population is the fastest growing demographic group in the US! We will discuss what it’s like to be multiethnic, including the perks and challenges of balancing multiple identities. Sponsored by the American Indian/Alaskan Native Student Association and the Office of Diversity Programs & Services.
FRI NOV. 5
Native American Heritage Lunch 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Southside Several delicious traditional Native dishes will be available. Mason Money, Meal Plan, or Cash. Sponsored by George Mason Dining Services
MON NOV. 8
The Historic Trauma of Native American Boarding Schools 7:00 -8:30pm, JC Dewberry Hall T Carter, President of Native American Alumni Group, will expose the historic trauma caused by early Native American boarding schools, focusing on Carlyle Indian School, Carlyle, PA. She will also discuss how the boarding school experience has had a lasting impact on Native American children and their parents today. Sponsored by Mason Child Development Center
WED NOV. 10
8th Annual Veteran’s Powwow 1 – 9:30p.m., Johnson Center, Dewberry Hall The powwow is a central social event in indigenous culture, combining dance and music: Host Drum, White Oak Singers (Northern) and Red Blanket Singers (Southern). Master of Ceremonies: Lawrence Baker. Arena Director: Manuel Rodriguez. Head Dancers: Dora Birdshead and Nicholas Birdshead. Head Junior Dancers: Alexander Fire Walker and Alexis Hill. Open to ALL. Admission is FREE. A large selection of traditional art and crafts will be available for purchase. For more information, call ODPS, 703-993-2700. Sponsored by American Indian/Alaskan Native Student Association, the Office of Diversity Programs & Services, the Native American Alumni Group and University Life.
MON NOV. 15
Provost and VP Tea (invitation only) 1p.m. – 2 p.m., Mason Hall D1 Provost Peter Stearns will facilitate this discussion with American Indian/Alaskan Native students. Sponsored by the Provost’s Office, University Life, and Office of Diversity Programs & Services.
TUES NOV. 16
Choker Making Workshop 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. South Chesapeake Module Join us for a fun, hands-on workshop! Historian and textile artist, T Carter will demonstrate the basic techniques used in making traditional Native American bone chokers. Each participant will have the opportunity to design and create a choker. RSVP by November 1, 2010 if you plan to attend. 703-624-6201. Sponsored by the Native American Alumni Group, American Indian/Alaskan Native Student Association and the Office of Diversity Programs & Services
THURS NOV. 18
Trail of Tears Intertribal Dance Troupe’s Annual Toy Drive 1 – 2:30 p.m., SUB II Ballroom back section This performance supports the collection of new toys for Lakota children from birth to age 14 living on the Cheyenne River Reservation in South Dakota – one of the poorest areas in the world. Please come, enjoy the Native American dancing, and bring a toy, backpack, or school supplies. This Christmas, you can put a smile on the faces of these children who have so very little. Sponsored by the American Indian/Alaskan Native Student Association and the Office of Diversity Programs & Services.
TUES NOV. 23
American Indian/Alaskan Native Student Association Meeting and Potluck Dinner 6:00pm, South Chesapeake Module Join the members of the Association for the last event for Native Heritage Month. We will recap on this year’s calendar of events, discuss plans for the upcoming spring semester, and share in a wonderful potluck meal. Students are encouraged to bring a traditional Native dish. Sponsored by the American Indian/Alaskan Native Student Association and the Office of Diversity Programs & Services.
Notes
For more Information
For more information on the many activities for American Indian/Alaskan Native Heritage Month and how to get involved with the Native Student Association, please contact the Office of Diversity Programs & Services at 703-993-2700. gmu-aiansa.webs.com created by Rashelle Simpson, AIANSA President
Visit:
ODPS.GMU.EDU
for event updates, location changes and to see more information.
KC Designs™ www.krisceleste.com