CWU Announces Events For 'Indian Country'

March 29, 2005

Contact: Leslie J. Webb (509-963-1685/fax 509-963-3561/e-mail: webble@cwu.edu)

ELLENSBURG, Wash. - A dance performance, Indian foods and a faculty panel discussion will be among the featured events at Central Washington University's "Indian Country: A Gathering," on April 1.

"This is an opportunity for the university to help our students along with members of the campus and community learn about issues related to native peoples and cultures," Emily Washines, a CWU senior from Toppenish, majoring in political science, and member of the "Indian Country" organizing committee, says.

Friday's activities include:

• At 3 p.m., a faculty panel discussion on the topic of "Creating Indian Centered Universities," in the Samuelson Union Building (SUB) Yakama Room;
• At 5:30 p.m., a salmon bake in the SUB Fountain Room. Tickets are $9.15 general admission, $8.07 CWU meal cards and $4.60 students (12-and-under) for the meal; and,
• At 7 p.m. in the SUB Ballroom, the "Kwakwaka'wakw Gwa'wina," dance troupe will perform. From the Kwakwaka'wakw Nation of northern Vancouver Island, British Columbia, they have been performing internationally since 1987. Their performances feature animal and spirit dances, each with its own unique legend passed down from generation to generation, accompanied by drum rhythms, ceremonial dress and carved cedar masks to provide insight into their culture and history.

Indian art and artifacts will also be displayed in the James E. Brooks Library, Barge Hall and Black Hall.

"Indian Country: A Gathering" is sponsored by the CWU chapter of American Indian Science and Engineering Society-Native American Student Association (AISES-NASA), office of the president, office of student affairs and enrollment management, diversity education center, equity and services council and Native American commission.

For more information, or for persons of disability to arrange for reasonable accommodation, call (509) 963-1685, or (for the hearing impaired) TDD (509) 963-2143.