Michigan Indian Day seeks to celebrate, preserve culture

Drums were the heartbeat of the powwow.

Covered head-to-toe in traditional regalia, six dancers made a grand entrance to the stage, each one’s motions representative of traditional American Indian dance.

Showcasing his up-tempo men’s fancy dancing, 11-year-old Arlan George wore brightly colored beadwork, feathers and accessories typical of the energetic dance.

Exhibition of traditional powwow dancing served as a finale to a day of lectures, discussions and sharing during the MSU School of Social Work’s Michigan Indian Day on Friday at the Kellogg Center.

“Gathering gives thanks to mother earth, being here and being together again,” said Eva Menefee, lead faculty adviser at Lansing Community College.

More than 200 tribal elders, social workers, students and community members gathered for the annual event.

Emily Proctor, a social work graduate student and co-chairwoman of the event, said she was glad to see such support for the day.

“It was a powerful experience,” she said. “There were so many (American Indian) representatives bringing about awareness and continuing education.”

Michigan Indian Day was designated as the fourth Friday of September by former Michigan governor William Milliken in 1984. This is the sixth year MSU hosted an event to celebrate the culture and contributions of American Indians.

Seven generations was the theme of this year’s event, meaning American Indian ancestors seven generations ago were planning to preserve the language, culture and land for the present generation.

The day’s panel topics included the seven grandfather teachings (respect, wisdom, love, honesty, humility, bravery and truth), substance abuse treatment, youth issues and a tribal elders forum.

Keynote speakers addressed issues concerning raising healthy American Indian children and the impact of American Indian mascots.

Don Day, president of Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College in Cloquet, Minn., said stereotypical American Indian mascots perpetuate racism, oppression and inaccurate perceptions.

“When students see American Indian mascots, they are looking for affirmation, and there is none,” he said. “It doesn’t help or honor us.”

The goal of the event was to make American Indian cultural issues more accessible to the community, said Susan Applegate Krouse, director of the American Indian Studies program and an anthropology faculty member.

“Things will resonate with people, not just native people,” she said. “They are teachings we can take for the whole world.”