The Native American Inclusion Project

The Native American Inclusion Project

Background

The Native American Inclusion Project is jointly coordinated by the Native American Cultural Society (NACS) and UGA Arts '96, a festival showcasing traditions and arts of the Southeastern United States. NACS is a three-year-old organization whose primary purpose is to provide Native American programs and cultural events in the local schools and communities surrounding The University of Georgia. NACS membership is composed of tribal roll members, descendants, and persons interested in a better understanding of Native American cultures.

Purpose

The Native American Inclusion Project is designed to promote international understanding of more than 500 Native American Nations within the boundaries of the United States. The cultural events are designed to introduce the arts, skills, games and sports which are ingrained in the customs and social structure of Native Americans. These events will demonstrate the contributions of Native Americans to modern culture in such areas as visual and performing arts, crafts, oratory, and ecology.

Why Now?

Beginning on July 19, 1996, and through August 4, 1996, UGA will participate in the 1996 Olympic Games by hosting soccer, volleyball, and rhythmic gymnastics competitions. In the spirit of the Olympic Centennial, the Native American Inclusion Project will explain how modern-day sports and cultures have been influenced by Native Americans, the "First Americans."

The Red Road: Native American Art and Educational Exhibit

These artistic and educational exhibits feature the culture of the indigenous people of North America, including demonstrations of traditional and contemporary arts and crafts, and an exhibit of prints by Native American artists. The exhibit features work by American Indian artists and crafts persons and includes the educational exhibit, "Of Earth and Sky," containing samples of early Southeastern beadwork, basketry, and tools. The "Hope Series" Pendleton blankets, designed for the American Indian College Fund, will also be on display. Free admission. For information, call (706) 542-9464.

When:
Exhibit--July 12 - August 4, 1996; 9 a.m.-10:30 p.m.
Special Demonstrations--July 20-21 and July 27-28, 1996; 9 a.m.-Noon and 1-4 p.m.
Where:
The University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education, Walter Barnard Hill Atrium

Dreamcatchers: An Evening of Native American Culture

This spectacular one-hour show features professional Native American performers in an array of colorful regalia, performing traditional and contemporary style dances, as well as musical and dramatic selections. Eddie Swimmer of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee is featured in the performance; he is one of the nation's preeminent Native American dancers and a national hoop dance champion. Other presenters, dancers, and musicians will also perform in this entertaining and educational program of Native American culture. The Native Movement cast are regular performers with the American Indian Dance Theater, an international tour group. The narration provides insight into the life and philosophy of great civilizations established on the North American continent by the Native American people. Free admission by ticket only. For ticket information, call (706) 542-9464.

When:
July 26 - August 2, 1996; 9 p.m. nightly
Where:
The University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education, Hugh B. Masters Hall

Southeastern Native American Games and Skills Exhibition

Demonstrations of traditional Native American games and skills such as traditional lacrosse (toli), archery, blow gun, flint knapping, and fire from friction. The Conehatta and Bogue Chitto Choctaw toli teams from Mississippi will compete. Free admission. For information, call (706) 542-3243 or (706) 788-3694.

When:
July 27, 1996; 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
July 28, 1996; 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where:
The University of Georgia Athletic Intramural Field #6 (corner of College Station and East Campus Roads)

Inter-Tribal Colloqium on Ecology and the Environment

Native American environmentalists and tribal representatives addressed ecological and environmental issues and concerns at this colloquium, held June 3, 1996, at the Georgia Center for Continuing Education. The colloqium included an opportunity for audience questions and discussions. Speakers included Chief Charles Dawes of the Ottawa Nation of Oklahoma; Dr. Charla Dawes, ecologist, Ottawa Nation of Oklahoma; Thomas Banyacya, interpreter and spokesperson for traditional Hopi spiritual leaders; Leslie W. Ramirez, of the Kiowa Nation and a special counsel to the U.S. Secretary of the Interior; and Bullet Standing Deer, Eastern Band of the Cherokee.

NOTE: Information about the Native American Inclusion Project was provided by the Native American Cultural Society (NACS) and UGA Arts '96.

Left, Native American arts and crafts. From the bottom right, clockwise: Etched Pottery--Navajo, terra cotta; Navajo Sandpainting (also in center)--sandpaintings are traditionally made on the ground as part of a healing ceremony. Patients are placed in the center of the painting and the hatahli, or Medicine Man, conducts the ceremony. The sandpainting is then erased with a sacred feather and cast away, and the sand carries the illness away with it. Artisans about 20 years ago began to create sandpaintings, keeping them intact; however, these paintings always have some portion of the design missing, so as not to be sacrilegious; Eagle Dancer Gourd--the Eagle Dancer is a very popular kachina figure that appears in the ceremonial dances of early March. Eagles are treated as honored guests among the Hopi. Native Americans across the country used gourds to store food and seeds; Medicine Man Kachina (see "About the Cover..."); Sun Kachina; Hand-made Drum--made with a Red Cedar frame, covered with deer hide, hand-painted with bears and bear paws. Drums may represent the heartbeat of Mother Earth; Talking Feather--the Talking Feather, used in tribal meetings and family gatherings, allows the holder to speak freely and uninterrupted. (These arts and crafts, and the information about them, were provided by Native America: Indian Made Arts and Crafts of Athens, Georgia, one of several arts and crafts exhibitors for the Native American Inclusion Project.)

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