Indigenous People’s Week To Be Celebrated on the Champlain Campus—All Invited!

In 2016, the Governor of Vermont signed a proclamation redesignating what was once Columbus Day as Indigenous Peoples Day. This year, that day falls at the start of the week of October 9-13, and Champlain College will celebrate the indigenous heritage of the region with drumming, crafts and film.

To lead into the week Champlain College will show the documentary Reel Injun, the story of Hollywood’s portrayal of indigenous people through cinema. Stay after the film for a discussion focused on film and media’s portrayal of difference. The film will be shown in the IDX Fireside Lounge on Thursday, October 5, at 8:30 p.m.

On Thursday, October 12, Melody Brook will lead a demonstration and hands-on activity of traditional Abenaki beadwork at 4 p.m in the CCM Lounge next to the Mailroom and the Bookstore. In Native culture crafts embody not only the manufacture of vital goods but are also an essential form of self-expression, a manifestation of beauty and meaning. All are welcome. Supplies will be provided, or participants can bring their own.

The events of Indigenous Peoples Week will round off at noon on Friday, October 13, with an Abenaki drumming workshop led by Lucy Cannon Neel from the Nulhegan Band in the IDX fireside lounge. Faculty, staff and students are all invited to take part. No musical pre-requisites are needed.

Other events embedded in specific classes are still being planned.

For more information, please contact Melody Brook (mbrook@champlain.edu).