The Native American Student Association at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, with the support of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and the university’s Ready for the World initiative are celebrating Native American Heritage Month with some special events on Saturday.
An exhibition of powwow dancing in the HPER atrium will begin at 9:30 a.m. Attendees will be encouraged to participate in traditional friendship dances and learn about the heritage of various dances and tribes.
From there, the 40 dancers and 20 Native American veterans will participate in the preliminary band march to the stadium before the UT versus Kentucky football game.
During the second quarter, the Native American Student Association will honor well-decorated Native American veterans and present them with gifts of appreciation.
During the halftime show, the Pride of the Southland Band will incorporate Native American music into its production, and Native American participants will showcase traditional powwow dancing.
“We are dedicated to promoting and building the awareness of Native American culture within the UT community,” said Kim Smith, Native American Student Association council leader. “It’s great to have support from UT during an event like this. Tennessee is a special home to many tribes, especially the Cherokee. There is no better way to spend a Saturday than sharing the beauty of our diversity and our contributions to defending this land with 100,000 of our closest friends.”
The Native American Student Association plans to develop a documentary around the significance of Native American Heritage Month though this event celebrating Native American cultures in the university community.
For more information visit the Native American Student Association website.
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Amy Blakely (ablakely@utk.edu, 865-974-5034)