West Liberty University joins the nation in the observance of Native American Heritage Month by planning several events to remind the campus community of the ancestry and traditions of Native Americans.
“Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) efforts continue throughout the year as we share the many cultures represented in our great country,” said Dr. Monique L. Akassi, special assistant to the president for DEI and Strategic Initiatives.
The Native American Heritage Month subcommittee, the Clay Club, and the Creative Arts Therapy Club began the month by inviting students and employees to take part in a November Pottery Workshop that took place this past Monday.
WLU has events planned to honor Native American Heritage, this group works on making clay pottery in the traditional style of Native Americans.
In this workshop, participants made their own pottery using traditional Native American tools and techniques. Aladdin Campus Dining provided some traditional Native American snacks for the activity.
Aladdin also served traditional Native American Dishes in the Bear’s Den (cafeteria) for lunch today (Nov. 8).
Traditional tribal regalia will be displayed in Elbin Library from Nov. 14 – 18. The regalia is on loan from a local person, Tracy L Pearson, whose native name is Eye of the Wolf. The regalia belongs to Pearson’s parents, Paul B. Birmelin, native name Tracking Wolf, and Barbara E. Birmelin, native name Autumn Buffalo, all members of the Shawnee tribe.
Elbin Library also will create a display of books by Native American authors that will be showcased for readers to peruse and check-out.
The members of the Native American Heritage Month subcommittee include Dr. Hilary Bougher-Muckian, assistant professor of Inclusive Early Childhood Education; Professor Terri Giller, instructor of Creative Arts Therapy; employee Peggy Howell, coordinator of Student Support Services; and Dr. Felipe Rojas, assistant professor of Spanish.
For more information, please contact Bougher-Muckian at Hilary.Bougher-Muckian@westliberty.edu or 304.336.8646. For more information on DEI at WLU, please email the officeofdei@westliberty.edu.
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