UA Crossroads Community Center Events Celebrate National Native American Heritage Month

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — In celebration of National Native American Heritage Month, The University of Alabama Crossroads Community Center is sponsoring several events on campus.

“Thunderlightening and Cloud Walkers,” a Cherokee family drum and dance team from Northport, will perform on the Ferguson Plaza Friday, Nov. 3 at 7 p.m.

The team consists of 11 people ranging in age from 6 years-adult. They perform a variety of social and educational dances accompanied by drumming done mostly in a southern drum style. The performance is both entertaining and educational as the group explains history, customs and purpose behind each particular style of dance. The audience will also have the opportunity to experience these dances by participating during the performance.

On Thursday, Nov. 9 the UA departments of anthropology and art and New College will be sponsoring a screening of the film “Indian Potter of San Ildefonso” from noon – 1 p.m. in 353 ten Hoor. The film documents the life and work of Maria Martinez, a Native American artist whose creations reflect the Pueblo legacy of fine artwork crafts using pottery.

The film will be followed by a question and answer period moderated by Dr. Marysia Galbraith, associate professor of New College and anthropology, and Dr. Lowell Baker, professor of art.

Following the film and discussion, the group will reconvene at 1:15 p.m. in the University Ceramics Studio for a workshop in which participants will learn pottery techniques exhibited in the film. Participants will have the opportunity to practice these techniques and create pottery which will be fired the following week.

For more information on the film and pottery event, contact Galbraith at 205/348-8412, mgalbrai@ua.edu or Josh Burford in Crossroads at 205/348-6930. For more information on the dancers, contact Burford or Liz Denson in Crossroads at 205/348-6930, crossroads.commuity@ua.edu.

All events are open to the public. UA students, faculty and staff are encouraged to attend.