Indigenous Cultures Festival
Unveiling: Murals
Lied Center | 10:30am
Presenter: Steven Grounds (Navajo/Creek/Yuchi/Seminole)
Steven Grounds will unveil three murals he created specifically for the 2024 KU Powwow and Indigenous Cultures Festival. The murals will feature contemporary Osage community members who impact our local community as educators while staying connected to their cultural traditions.
Presentation: Powwow 101
Lied Center Pavilion | 11:00am
Presenter: Jancita Warrington (Menominee/ Potawatomi)
Listen and learn both the historical and contemporary history of the powwow and dances you will see at the event. You will hear an overview and explanation of the event head staff and their positions, songs, Tribal dances, and the purpose of the KU powwow.
A short question and answer session will be held at the end of the presentation.
Activity: Indigenous Children's Language & Literacy
Tipi Area | 12:00pm
Indigenous children's language & literacy activities, including children’s books written by Native authors, coloring pages, and sidewalk chalk. Hosted by KU Dr. Gillispie and the Department of Speech-Language-Hearing: Sciences & Disorder.
Panel: Native Fashion
Lied Center Pavilion | 1:00pm
Join Indigenous Arts Initiative mentor Dr. Metcalfe (Turtle Mountain Chippewa) and participants in the Native Fashion 101 workshop as they discuss Indigenous fashion. Monitored by Sydney Pursel with Q&A to follow.
Workshop: Pine Needle Basket Weaving
Lied Center Seymour Gallery | 1:30-3:00pm
Featuring Amy June Breesman (Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma)
Participate in an introductory-level pine needle basket making workshop, supplies provided. There will also be a tutorial and time to start your own basket-making project.
The participant age requirement is 12 years +. Other ages are welcome to watch and learn from the artist.
Due to limited space, completing the sign-up form is required.
Interactive Presentation: Ishtaboli (Choctaw Stickball)
Lied Center Stage and in front of the Pavilion | 2:00pm
Presenter: Ron McKinney (Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma) and the Haskell Stickball Club
Learn the history of Ishtaboli and its important role in managing tribal and diplomatic relations as well as keeping Choctaw warriors keen for battle and hunting. Presenters will speak about how the tribe has revitalized the game and uses Ishtaboli as a way to teach traditional and family values. Today, the sport has evolved into local and regional tournaments and has been recently featured in the Disney+ miniseries Echo.
Participants will have an opportunity to participate in a stickball demonstration.
Panel: Native Screenwriters
Lied Center Pavilion | 2:30pm
Join Indigenous Arts Initiative mentor Miciana Alise (Tlingit) and participants in the Screenwriting workshop as they discuss screenwriting process and read from the screenplays they have been working on. Monitored by Joshua Miner with Q&A to follow.
Presentation: Evolution of Tlingit Architecture
Lied Center Stage | 3:00pm
Presenter: Naałkh J DeAsis, Łingít
This presentation explores historical photos of Tlingit Architecture in Southeast Alaska. Analyzing the transition from traditional indigenous Tlingit designs from before contact, to the modern style homes occupied by Tlingit people today.
Power of Native Theatre
Lied Center Pavilion | 4:00pm
Featuring: Honolulu Theatre for Youth
Kalā Müller and other members of the HTY will discuss the importance of Native-focused theatre for youth, and share the history of this historic company.
