A tradition launched 28 years ago to educate the community about Native Americans continues at Tarrant County College with observances including a national traveling exhibit, a lunch and learn event, storytelling and a musical performance. This month-long celebration during November supports the College’s commitment to serving the community.
On Tuesday, Nov. 6, TCC will host two events. A lunch and learn focusing on Native American History will be from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Student Center Forum Room, SSTU 2207, at South, 5301 Campus Drive.
From 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., “Storytelling with the Tipi Tellers” will be hosted in the Trinity River, Idea Store, 300 Trinity Campus Circle. Riveting Native American Earth Stories that teach listeners how to appreciate the earth and how to help preserve its natural resources that are beloved by present day Native Americans will be told. Light refreshments will be served.
Marjeanna Burge, coordinator of the Northeast Intercultural Student Engagement and also a citizen of the Comanche Nation, will discuss “The Convenience of Invisibility” on Wednesday, Nov. 7, from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Student Center, Center Corner, NSTU 1615A, at Northeast, 828 W. Harwood Road in Hurst.
On Thursday, Nov. 8, guest performer Kieto Ka’awa St. James will use indigenous storytelling and intertribal performances to share the experience of “Native Voices” at Southeast, 2100 Southeast Parkway in Arlington. Lunch will be served for the performance in the North Ballroom from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Musician Alisa Tomlinson will perform Native American flute music on Thursday, Nov. 8, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Student Center, WSTU 1301, at Northwest, 4801 Marine Creek Parkway.
Native American Heritage Month began with a proclamation signed by President George H. W. Bush on Aug. 3, 1990, with the intent of showcasing Native American culture, tradition, music, crafts, dance and ways and concepts of life. In 2018, approximately 200 Native American students are part of TCC’s diverse student population.
For details about other TCC-sponsored events including a historic bus tour and a display of notable Native Americans and their career paths, please refer to the TCC online Native American Heritage Month calendar.