SBU News

Seneca Dancers close St. Bonaventure's Native American Celebration

2008-11-21

 

 Students from Bradford, Pa., join the Seneca Dancers and others on stage at The Quick Center.  
 

The Seneca Dancers perform at St. Bonaventure.Dancers from the Allegany and Cattaraugus Reservations of the Seneca Nation of Indians performed at St. Bonaventure University's Quick Center for the Arts Friday, helping to close the university's first Native American Heritage Celebration.


The two-week long celebration, held in recognition of Native American Heritage Month, included lectures and discussions with guest speakers who focused on different aspects of Native American culture. There were also opportunities to learn about Native American foods, art and music.


"It went very well," said Angela Griffin Jones, university vice provost for enrollment and student academic services, who proposed the celebration as a way to build relations with the Seneca Nation. "It was well received and we hope to make this an annual event."


The celebration was sponsored in large part by the university's Diversity Action Committee, as well as the Damietta Center, the offices of the university provost and president, Clare College, student affairs and enrollment, and student academic services.


First Annual Native American Heritage Celebration
Nov. 10-21, 2008


A drummer keeps the beat for the Seneca Dancers.Monday, Nov. 10  

  • 3:30 p.m. – Movie and Discussion, “The Black Robe,” Walsh Science Center Auditorium; moderator: Guy Jones


Wed., Nov. 12  

  • Native Foods and Music in the Hickey Dining Hall, lunch hours


Thurs., Nov. 13  

  • 12:30 p.m. – Lunch Lecture* – “The Impact of Christianity on Native Culture,” Guy Jones (Hunkpapa/Lakota), Founder and Director of the Miami Valley Council for Native Americans; Doyle Dining Room

Sat., Nov. 15  

  • 4-5:30 p.m. – Lecture and Music, “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Recovery: The Healing Power of Humor in First Nations and Native American Art,” Allan Ryan, New Sun Chair in Aboriginal Art and Culture at Carleton University, Ottawa; Walsh Auditorium


Mon., Nov. 17  

  • 3:30 p.m. – Movie and Discussion, “Smoke Signals,” Walsh Auditorium; moderator: David Dubreuil


Tues., Nov. 18  

  • 12:30 p.m. – Lunch Lecture*, “The Kinzua Dam and the Seneca Nation,” Adrian John, Faithkeepers School of the Seneca Nation; Doyle Dining Room

Thurs., Nov. 20  

  • 3:30 p.m. – Movie and discussion, “500 Nations,” Walsh Auditorium; moderators: Guy Jones and David Dubreuil


Fri., Nov. 21 -- Closing Celebrations  

  • 3 p.m. – Seneca Youth Dancers Exhibition, Quick Center for the Arts
  • 4 p.m. – Movie and Discussion, “In The Land of War Canoes” (An Edward Curtis Film), Quick Center; moderator: Kitty Dubreuil
  • 5 p.m. – Reception and tour of Native American Exhibit, Quick Center
 
 
 
About the University: St. Bonaventure is in the top 25 percent of institutions in U.S.News & World Report’s 2009 ranking of Northern Universities – Master’s. It has a history of accomplishment and service that extends back 150 years. At the heart of St. Bonaventure University is the Franciscan affirmation of the dignity and worth of the entire created order. Fundamental to this vision is an awareness that it is within relationships and community that individuals discover and develop their potential.

 

Share this 
								story Subscribe to these stories