Learn more about Native American culture at series
Aurora University will celebrate Native American Heritage Month in November with dance, films, lectures and art exhibits.
The eight-event series is sponsored by the Schingoethe Center for Native American Cultures at Dunham Hall, 1400 Marseillaise Place, Aurora.
All events are free. For details, call (630) 844-7843 or visit aurora.edu/museum.
The schedule:
Thursday: "The Native American Church: History and Traditions," a presentation by Ben Bearskin Jr. of Milwaukee, is at 1:15 and 6:30 p.m. in the Schingoethe Center.
During his lecture, Bearskin, a Ho-Chunk tribe member, will tie on a skin drumhead and explain the symbolism. He will donate the drum to the Schingoethe Center collection.
Nov. 5: "Spirit of the People," a dance performance by the Waswagoning Dance Theatre of the Ojibwe village at Lac du Flambeau, Wis., is at 6:30 p.m. in Crimi Auditorium at the Institute for Collaboration, 407 S. Calumet Ave., Aurora. The performance will feature costumes with animal furs and shields, traditional background music and drumming, and explanations of each dance.
Al Jewer, a multi-cultural flautist, will open the performance with his collection of more than 20 flutes. Additionally, the Cricket Hill drum group of Chicago will accompany the dancers.
Nick Hockings, Ojibwe cultural consultant, directs the dance troupe.
Nov. 7: "Totem: The Return of the G'psgolox Pole," a 70-minute film by Gil Cardinal Metis, will be screened at noon and 6:30 p.m. in the Schingoethe Center.
In 1929, the G'psgolox, a funerary totem pole belonging to the Haisla people, was cut down and transported to Europe. It was discovered in a Swedish museum in 1991.
The film recounts the efforts of members of the Haisla Nation from the village of Kitamaat to reclaim the sacred pole.
Nov. 13: Native American Vendors Day will be from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the Dunham Hall lobby at 1400 Marseillaise Place, Aurora. Six vendors will showcase jewelry, dream catchers, pottery, sand paintings, South American Native American clothing, and other items.
Nov. 14: "Field Sketches Inspired by the Schingoethe Center," a display of 28 pieces by members of the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators-Great Lakes chapter, opens with a reception from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Schingoethe Center. The display runs through Jan. 4, and includes drawings of plants and artifacts. It's part of the 2007-08 Celebrating Arts and Ideas series.
Nov. 14: "Native American Uses of Plants" will be explored by Naperville resident Pat Armstrong at 6:30 p.m. in the Schingoethe Center. Her lecture will include specimens and slides. Armstrong has re-created a prairie environment at her residence.
Nov. 20: "Teachings of the Tree People: The Work of Bruce Miller," a film directed and produced by Katie Jennings, will be shown at noon and 6:30 p.m. in the Schingoethe Center. Released in 2006, it runs 57 minutes.
Nov. 28: "Gwishalaayt: The Spirit Wraps Around You," a 2002 film by Barb Cranmer will be shown at noon and 6:30 p.m. in the Schingoethe Center. The movie follows the work of six weavers and presents their woven regalia in cultural context.