Minot State University
11/05/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 11/05/2024 15:56
Native American Cultural Celebration features speakers, music, Indigenous Dinner
By Michael Linnell
University Communications Director
MINOT, N.D. - Minot State University Native American Cultural Center, the MSU Diversity Council, MSU Student Affairs, and Sodexo at Minot State have collaborated to host events during the University's Native American Cultural Celebration Nov. 18-19.
The Native American Cultural Center and MSU Student Affairs have partnered with Sodexo at Minot State to host an Indigenous Dinner on Nov. 18 from 5-7 p.m. at the Student Center Conference Center. On Nov. 19, Minot State will host author and speaker James Vukelich at 10 a.m. in the Hartnett Hall Collaboration Space, and he will lead a book discussion and signing hosted by the Gordon B. Olson Library at 2 p.m.
The Indigenous Dinner is the third-annual event with the meal prepared by Sodexo chef Amanda O'Dell and staff. The event will also feature music by duet soul band, Blood Quantum, featuring Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians citizens, Amari LaRocque and Clay LaRocque. Blood Quantum will play original music and covers during the dinner. For more information on Blood Quantum, see the band's Facebook PAGE.
"Native American/Indigenous people have history; we are not in history," said Annette Mennem, director of Minot State's Native American Center. "Indigenous people are thriving today using ancestral teachings, including eating a decolonized diet."
The Indigenous Dinner is free and open to the campus and community. The Native American Cultural Center requests anyone interested in attending sign up prior to the event for ordering purposes by online FORM or by scanning the QR in the attached POSTER.
Vukelich will discuss his recent book, "The Seven Generations and The Seven Grandfather Teachings," during his presentation. The talk will present the traditional teachings of the Anishinaabeg as a means of developing interconnectedness and interdependence. The seven grandfather teachings, the sacred law of the Anishinaabeg, show us how to lead "Mino-bimaadiziwin," "the good life," a life without contradiction or conflict, a life of peace and balance. Learn more about Vukelich at his WEBSITE.
"One takeaway from the book is that not only do Native American people have intergenerational trauma from our ancestors, but we also have carried forward their resilience and fortitude," Mennem said. "This book is a way to live with not only the trauma but the resilience using the Seven Grandfather Teachings: love, respect, honesty, courage/bravery, truth, wisdom, and humility. We invite the campus and community to attend the presentation or book talk and meet the author."
Vukelich's presentation and book discussion and signing are also free and open to the public, with copies of his books available for purchase on-site. For more information on Vukelich's author visit, see the attached FLYER.
About Minot State University
Minot State University is a public university dedicated to excellence in education, scholarship, and community engagement achieved through rigorous academic experiences, active learning environments, commitment to public service, and a vibrant campus life.
Published: 11/05/24