Native American Education Presentations at FVCC This Week

Flathead Valley Community College’s Multicultural Affairs Office will present three lectures on Native American history, culture and education for the community this week.

On March 19, FVCC Native American studies professor E.B. Eiselein will present “Montana’s Indian Wars.” This presentation will explore the cultural backgrounds of the 1869 Heavy Runner Massacre, the 1876 Battle of the Little Bighorn, and the 1877 Nez Perce War. The presentation will focus on the cultural conflicts which led to these incidents.

Writing under his Native American name, Speaks Lightning, Eiselein has produced nearly 20 books dealing with various aspects of Native American culture, history, and spirituality. His books include “Montana’s Indian Cultures” and “Indian Montana: A Winter Count.” He currently serves as the senior historian for Native American Netroots. He has a Ph.D. in anthropology from the University of Arizona and is of Canadian Anishinabe descent.

The presentation will take place at 6 p.m. in the large community meeting room inside the Arts and Technology Building on campus.

The second lecture, presented by Wabusk Ragged Robe on March 21, will be an informative lecture about the peaceful indigenous movement called Idle No More. The vision of Idle No More revolves around indigenous ways of knowing rooted in indigenous sovereignty to protect water, air, land, and all creation for future generations. The goal of the movement is to educate and revitalize indigenous peoples through awareness and empowerment.

The presentation will take place at 6 p.m. in the large community meeting room inside the Arts and Technology Building.

On March 22, presenter Tara Top Sky will discuss Native studies in the classroom, exploring current and future initiatives to integrate Native American curriculum into all levels of education. Indian Education for All is a state-wide program promoting culturally responsive instruction by providing the resources educators need to integrate American Indian teachings into early childhood education programs.

Top Sky is Chippewa/Cree and has been actively working with educators and students across the state. She addresses integration examples and techniques useful in primary and secondary institutions as well as at the university level. The lecture will take place at 12 p.m. in room 203 inside the Arts and Technology Building.

All lectures are free and open to the public. For more information, contact FVCC Multicultural Affairs Coordinator Mick Stemborski at 756-3945 or [email protected].