2008 Woodie Awards
West Chester hosts program to celebrate Veteran's Day and Native Americans
Alejandro Carrillo
Issue date: 11/17/08 Section: Features
In commemoration of Native American Month and to celebrate Veterans Day, West Chester University hosted a program on Native Americans and Veterans Day. The event included the Native Nations Dance Theater, Inc; an American Indian Drum and Dance group from Philadelphia.
The program was made possible in part by the Office of Multicultural Affairs and by the Undergraduate Social Work Department. The event took place on Tuesday Nov. 11, 2008. Held in the lobby of Sykes Union, it gathered a significant audience.
The program was introduced by Dr. Rick Voss from the Social Work Department and it followed the Flag Song honoring the flags of the United States of America; this includes the U.S. flag, the Cherokee Tribal flag, the Oglala Sioux tribal flag, and an all nations' American Indian flag. The song was played by a flute and it was played by a Native American wearing a typical outfit decorated with different color textures and wearing feathers on his head. It was followed by a song remembering those who have fought for our liberty.
The program was enriched with various typical Native American dances performed by the Native Nations Dance Theater. And even the audience had the opportunity to interact by joining them for a typical dance.
One of the most applauded pieces was called "Dance of the Chicken." The dancer wearing a black outfit with many feathers simulated the movements of the chicken and it was of significance because it represented a chicken looking for food and shelter for his family.
One of the most interesting pieces was the "Hoop Dance". Interestingly, the performer was able to create the form of a cradle and a baby with hoops while dancing at the same time. He then placed the baby into the cradle in representation of care and protection of the child. It was quite a complicated performance, which was shocking to the audience.
Following the dance and song performances, there was a panel discussion on the Service and Sacrifices from an American Indian's perspective. This was followed by a typical Native American dinner, which included soup with meat and bread.
The event concluded with the "Honor Tree Project". The Tree is located in the lobby of Sykes and it is decorated with messages of hope and encouragement. These messages are written on paper eagle feathers that students and visitors to Sykes Union will be invited to take with them as inspirational bookmarks.
It is important to remember the importance of Native Americans and their contribution to this country, not only during this month, but also throughout the year and as Dr. Voss said, "Native Americans are alive and well and are part of our country and will always be."
Alejandro Carrillo is a fifth- year student majoring in political science with a minor in philosophy. He can be reached at AC595226@wcupa.edu.
The program was made possible in part by the Office of Multicultural Affairs and by the Undergraduate Social Work Department. The event took place on Tuesday Nov. 11, 2008. Held in the lobby of Sykes Union, it gathered a significant audience.
The program was introduced by Dr. Rick Voss from the Social Work Department and it followed the Flag Song honoring the flags of the United States of America; this includes the U.S. flag, the Cherokee Tribal flag, the Oglala Sioux tribal flag, and an all nations' American Indian flag. The song was played by a flute and it was played by a Native American wearing a typical outfit decorated with different color textures and wearing feathers on his head. It was followed by a song remembering those who have fought for our liberty.
The program was enriched with various typical Native American dances performed by the Native Nations Dance Theater. And even the audience had the opportunity to interact by joining them for a typical dance.
One of the most applauded pieces was called "Dance of the Chicken." The dancer wearing a black outfit with many feathers simulated the movements of the chicken and it was of significance because it represented a chicken looking for food and shelter for his family.
One of the most interesting pieces was the "Hoop Dance". Interestingly, the performer was able to create the form of a cradle and a baby with hoops while dancing at the same time. He then placed the baby into the cradle in representation of care and protection of the child. It was quite a complicated performance, which was shocking to the audience.
Following the dance and song performances, there was a panel discussion on the Service and Sacrifices from an American Indian's perspective. This was followed by a typical Native American dinner, which included soup with meat and bread.
The event concluded with the "Honor Tree Project". The Tree is located in the lobby of Sykes and it is decorated with messages of hope and encouragement. These messages are written on paper eagle feathers that students and visitors to Sykes Union will be invited to take with them as inspirational bookmarks.
It is important to remember the importance of Native Americans and their contribution to this country, not only during this month, but also throughout the year and as Dr. Voss said, "Native Americans are alive and well and are part of our country and will always be."
Alejandro Carrillo is a fifth- year student majoring in political science with a minor in philosophy. He can be reached at AC595226@wcupa.edu.
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