New Mexico State University will celebrate American Indian Week with a number of events April 8-13.
"American Indian Week is an opportunity for our American Indian students from the 22 pueblos, tribes and nations of New Mexico and those from out-of-state to share aspects of their culture with the greater NMSU community," said Justin McHorse, American Indian Program director. "It is an important statement to the community that American Indians have a presence on campus and add to the richness and diversity of learning within the classroom."
The series of events scheduled to celebrate the American Indian heritage at NMSU include guest performers, food and dances, an art expo and more. All events during celebration will be free and open to the NMSU community.
The celebration is organized and presented by the NMSU American Indian Science and Engineering Society, the United Native American Organization and the Native American Business Student Association with support from the American Indian Program. American Indian Week is sponsored by ASNMSU.
The first event to begin the American Indian Week festivities is the opening ceremony and blessing by Leo Martin, a local tribal member. Following the ceremony a parade of nations will take place. The opening ceremony will be held from 10:30-11:30 a.m. on April 8 in front of the Hadley Hall east entrance.
Also on April 8 is the Native American Giveaway, from noon-1 p.m. at the Corbett Center Rotunda, and the Miss Native NMSU meet and great reception, from 6-8 p.m. at the Danny Villanueva Victory Club inside theStan Fulton Center.
An evening of Native American Dances will be held from 4-7 p.m. at the Corbett Center outdoor stage on April 9. Three dance groups will perform cultural dancing.
The Indian Taco Demo, a demonstration by students how an Indian taco is made, will be held from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on April 10 at the American Indian Student Center. The Indian Taco is food that is commonly found in American Indian communities.
AIW Dance Night, a night for students and the community to get together and dance, will be at 8 p.m. on April 11 at the Corbett Center Ballrooms.
Native American Arts and Crafts Expo, an opportunity for Native American artists to showcase their work and sell it, will take place from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. on April 12 at the first floor of Corbett Center. Later that evening will be the Miss Native NMSU Pageant from 6-9 p.m. in the Corbett Center Auditorium.
Closing out the celebration is the continuance of the Native American Art Expo from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Kent Hall University Museum, during that time there will be a performance by Native American performer, Randy Granger. There will also be a performance by Tobias Brown from 7-9 p.m. in the Corbett Center Ballrooms.
For more information contact the American Indian Program at 575-646-4207.