'Way of the Warrior' presentation at MCC

The McHenry County College Multicultural Programs and Student Leadership Department will celebrate Native American Heritage Month with a public event on Monday.

From 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. that day, MCC will host "Way of the Warrior" presented by Patricia Loew, author of two books: "Indian Nations of Wisconsin: Histories of Endurance and Renewal" and "Native People of Wisconsin." Her latest documentary is "Way of the Warrior." This presentation will be given in room B166-167.

Loew also teaches Native American Environmental Issues and the Media, and Digital Video Production at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

"Way of the Warrior" uses personal stories of heroes and soldiers to examine the warrior ethic, and to try to discover why, during the wars of the 20th century, did Native American men and women volunteer to serve in the U.S. military in numbers that far exceeded their proportion in the general population.

These gripping stories from WWI, WWII, Korea and Vietnam weave a tapestry of positive and negative themes -- the warrior ethic, prejudice and stereotypes, forced assimilation, poverty, cultural pride, redemptive acts and healing. The documentary uses historical footage, period photographs, Native American music, personal diaries and interviews to reveal what it means to be "ogichidaa," one who protects and follows the way of the warrior.

"Way of the Warrior" will air on PBS in November.

The event is free and open to the public. No registration required. For more information, call Sonia Reising at (815) 479-7749.