The annual New Mexico State University American Indian Week, a celebration centered on a culture rooted in tradition, will take place April 6-11.
“This is an effort to show our students and the greater NMSU community that Native Americans are still living, still thriving, and engaged in the classroom just like all of our other students,” said Justin McHorse, director of the NMSU American Indian Program.
The events feature a parade, guest speaker, native food, music and dance. A pageant, arts and crafts and more are open to the NMSU community.
Kicking off the week is the opening ceremony and blessing by Governor Henry Torres, from 10:30-11 a.m. Monday, April 6, outside the east area of Hadley Hall. Following will be the Parade of Nations to Corbett Center Student Union. There, a Native American giveaway will take place near the CCSU Rotunda. From 6-8 p.m. the Miss Native American NMSU contestants will have a meet and greet reception at the Stan Fulton Center.
A photo gallery will be on display in the Kent Hall University Museum from 2-3 p.m. Tuesday, April 7. Students can enjoy a traditional heritage dinner at Taos Restaurant from 5-8 p.m. Author and keynote speaker Sherman Alexie will tell stories of life on the Spokane Indian Reservation and present day challenges. His presentation begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Medoff Theater, located in the Associated Students of NMSU Center for the Arts Building.
Watch how the delicious Indian tacos are made during a demonstration from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 8, at the American Indian Student Center, behind CCSU. Later that evening, the movie, “Smoke Signals” will show in the CCSU Aggie Lounge, from 4:30-6 p.m.
For those who missed it, a second heritage dinner will take place from 5-8 p.m.Thursday, April 9, in Taos Restaurant. “Tradition and Culture, Past and Present,” a Native American Regalia Exhibition and Dance, will take place from6-11 p.m. in the CCSU Aggie Lounge.
Beginning at 8:30 a.m. Friday, April 10, a Native American Arts and Crafts Expo will take place on the first floor of CCSU. The event will last until 4:30 p.m.Following will be the Miss Native American NMSU Pageant at the CCSU Auditorium from 6-9 p.m.
The finale will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 11, at the Kent Hall University Museum. A Native American Arts and Crafts Expo will feature wares from throughout the state and includes a dance performance from the Jemez Pueblo. An Indian taco fundraiser benefiting the students will also take place.
“American Indian students, faculty and staff on our campus add to the richness and diversity of learning in the classroom,” McHorse said. “They bring perspectives of the land and culture of New Mexico.”
The events are brought in part by the NMSU American Indian Program, along with the American Indian Science and Engineering Society, Native American Business Student Association, the United Native American Organization and ASNMSU.
For more information visit, http://aip.nmsu.edu/current-students/american-indian-week/
Information from NMSU