Native culture seen through dance

megan.murphy

Students interested in learning more about Native American Heritage in the Upper Peninsula can attend the First Nations Art and Dance Demonstration on Saturday, Dec. 1. The First Nations Art and Dance Demonstration will be hosted by the Native American Students Association (NASA) and the Center for Native American Studies as a part of Native American Heritage Month, said Samantha Hill, events coordinator for the Center for Native American Studies. “We, at the Center for Native American Studies, believe that this will be a wonderful exhibit of Native American craft and dance for attendees to learn about Native American culture,” Hill said. Featured at the event will be an artists bazaar and dance demonstration where regional Native American artists will display and sell their crafts. “We have artists that will be making two-sided dream catchers, birch-bark baskets, corn husk dolls and various beaded jewelry,” Hill said. “These artists will be showing attendees how they make these arts and crafts, and the attendees will also be able to purchase already-made crafts if they wish.” The dance demonstration will be shown by the Oneida Social Dancers along with Megan Tucker and Rita DeVoy, two young hoop dancers, said Hill. The event will be held in the Peter White Lounge of the University Center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fry bread will be sold by the Native American Students Association. Attendees can either pay a $1 admission fee or bring a non-perishable food item to support the TV6 can-a-thon.