Ferris State University's Native American Heritage Month activities conclude on Monday,
Nov. 20 with “A Native Thanksgiving Celebration.” The event begins at 5 p.m. in the
University Center Ballroom.
Scott Herron, a Biology professor in the College of Arts, Sciences and Education, said April Lindala, director of Northern Michigan University’s Center of Native American Studies, will be the guest for the celebration.
“It will be great to have April’s voice to encourage our group,” Herron said. “She is an author and poet, and April will speak about her experiences related to diversity and inclusion, on the Northern campus, as well as in the greater Marquette area.”
The Native Thanksgiving celebration typically draws the largest audience for the Native American Heritage Month schedule. The event offers opportunities to sample traditional foods, along with traditional elements of the feast gathering as part of the presentation.
“We have already enjoyed the Ghost Supper, on Thursday, Nov. 2, and had a screening
and discussion related to the documentary, ‘More Than A Word,’ on Tuesday, Nov. 7,”
Herron said. “There are valid concerns about team names and sports mascots and whether
they are respectful to people of Native American heritage. The Circle of Tribal Nations
has seen good response at these first events, where we have met Native American students
we were not aware of.”
The Circle of Tribal Nations registered student organization is supported by the Office
of Multicultural Student Services in an annual schedule of events each November, which
is Native American Heritage Month. A partnership with OMSS, the Circle of Tribal Nations,
the Media Education Foundation and FLITE, the Ferris Library for Information, Technology
and Education, supported the Nov. 7 documentary event.
PHOTO CAPTION: April Lindala, the director of Northern Michigan University’s Center
for Native American Studies will be the special guest at “A Native Thanksgiving Celebration.”
That annual event will begin at 5 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 20, in the University Center
Ballroom. (Photo Credit-Marlee Gunsell)