The Griffon News

Missouri Western welcomed traditional Native American dancers Saturday, Nov. 11 from Haskell Indian Nations University.

The dancers performed authentic dances in traditional Native American attire in Leah Spratt Hall, Kemper Recital Hall.

The Center for Multicultural Education sponsored this event to increase awareness of the Native American community.

“It’s a way to educate the public on what they do, to show that Native Americans are not just what we see on TV,” Tay Triggs, CME director, said. “I think they can help educate us and dispel the myths about Native Americans.”

“It can bring community awareness, not just for students, but the whole St. Joseph community,” Amber Brown, a CME intern, said. “There are different cultures around, maybe ones they haven’t seen before.”

The dancers also explained the significance behind their dances and many Native American traditions.

“Everything has such a deep, rich spiritual connection between the people and the land, and in nature.” Triggs said.

“I don’t think a lot of people get to see something like this for themselves. They might see it on TV, but this is an opportunity to see it in person.” Brown said.

Triggs believes educating the community about Native Americans is vital to the history of our country.

“History-wise, there is no history of the United States, or America, our land, our soil, without talking about Native Americans.” Triggs said, “They were here first, and this was there land. We have to quit thinking of them as something of the past.”

Native American history and culture is something that impacts many at Missouri Western, regardless of whether or not they are aware of it.

“We don’t have a Native American student association, but for many of us, we might have a certain percentage of Native American heritages we don’t know about or celebrate.”

While this event falls under the category of entertainment, Triggs hopes to raise awareness about the many social issues that impact the Native American community, such as government funding for reservations, poverty and alcoholism.

“There are issues in the Native American community, social issues we need to be aware of, so we can do our civic duty of helping,” Triggs said.

While the social issues of Native Americans are important, the CME aims to raise awareness for all cultures.

“We haven’t done anything with Native American programming in a while, so with our funding we try to alternate events,” Triggs said. “It’s our way of making sure we still educate everyone and stay within our budget. We try to make sure that we not only do celebratory programs, but programs that will educate students as well.”

Triggs also said that Native Americans are so much a part of American history, and also part of our present and future.

Exposure to other cultures through entertainment often opens a door toward education and awareness for that culture, which is why Triggs believes this event is important.

“We try to take baby steps. Sometimes it’s hard when it’s a community we’re not used to,” Triggs said, “You have to educate and entertain at the same time.”

“I think they’re great,” Triggs said. “They’re very educational, and willing to share their history an3d culture and we should always welcome people like that to our campus.”