Cleveland State University Celebrates Native American Heritage

By Cheryl D’Mello

Jim Northrup: poet, writer and performer.

The pulsating beat of Native American drums reverberated through the Fenn Tower Ballroom of Cleveland State University(CSU) on Thursday, November 20 at the culmination of the Native American Heritage Celebration which was sponsored by CSU’s Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs (ODAMA).

Celebrating the Native American Heritage at CSU included films, photo exhibits, lectures, dancing, and food. The award winning film Skins, an inspirational tale about the relationship between two Sioux Indian brothers living on Pine Ridge Indian Reservation was screened on November 6. James Workman, a community educator curated a photo exhibit and gave a gallery talk “Who You Calling Chief?” on November 16. In collaboration with the Black Studies Department – Curtis Wilson Colloquium Series, ODAMA hosted the lecture “Lesser Known Personalities in the Old West” by Cliff Clay, who is a historian and nationally recognized visual artist on November 19.

He spoke about the intersection of the Native American experience and the African American experience in the history of the U.S. In addition, Clay showed slides of his paintings that depicted the African American cowboy along with other authentic historic photos.

Jim Northrup, poet, syndicated newspaper columnist, performer, and political commentator from the Fond du Lac Indian Reservation in Minnesota, addressed a large audience of students, faculty and community members for the final event of the Native American Heritage Celebration on November 20. He spoke of his experience and life in his lecture entitled: “I’m Anishinaabe and You Ain’t”.

Northrup shared humorous anecdotes about his encounters with people who are curious about his heritage. “I feel that humor goes a long way in easing the aches and the wounds,” said Northrup. Here are some examples: Question: “Do you speak your language?” Northrup: “I speak yours too.” Question: “Do Indians have psychic powers?” Northrup: “I knew you would ask me that”.

Question: “Why do you call the reservation a rez?” Northrup: “Because the white man owns most of it.” Question: “Why is America called the land of the free?” Northrup: “Because the original inhabitants were never paid for it.” He narrated stories of his life growing up in boarding school and being in the Marines. He also shared poems and stories from his book titled: “Walking the Rez Road” which was awarded the Minnesota Book Award and the Northeast Minnesota Book Award.

As the participants enjoyed a meal of Navajo Tacos and Native American tea made by Mary Jane Buckshot of South West Favorites Catering in Cleveland, the Crooked River Nation Dance Troupe walked in. Dressed in brilliant colors, feathers and bells, they danced to the rhythmic music of four drummers and their vibrant singing.

“This is the intertribal flow of natural energy…the dancers, drums… and voices… said Lawrence-Reddest, one of the drummers from the Lakota-Sioux tribe. The event, which was co-sponsored by the Cultural Crossings Lecture Series and NASA, wrapped up the Native American Heritage Celebration at CSU.

Every year, CSU hosts a series of events in celebration of Native American Heritage Month in November, which is sponsored by the Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs (ODAMA).

For further details, please contact Roberto Chavez at 216.687.9283.

Article originally appeared in Drums Along The Ohio Ohio’s Native American Newspaper in Spring 2009.