Throughout the week, Native American jewelry, crafts and movies have filled the Union as part of Native American Awareness Week.
The 30th annual celebration, “Weaving Our Educational Path,” has focused on the traditions and customs of American Indians.
“It’s important to bring about awareness about Native American issues on campus, and to say that we have been here, we are here and we will always be here,” said Wilma Tyner, Intertribal Student Association adviser.
Some American Indian students can often feel isolated as they make the transition from a more traditional background to the U.
“Many students, especially those coming from reservations with very small schools, aren’t used to a big city and big classes,” Tyner said.
Another issue students face is the stereotypical views some have of American Indians. According to Tyner, some students think American Indians are quiet and stoic, while many are often outspoken.
“These stereotypes can make students feel isolated, so an organization like ours is more or less like a support system,” Tyner said.
Tyner wants to make the intertribal association more visible for current and potential students.
“We have about 160 Native American students on campus, and out of them, 30 or 40 or active in the association,” she said. “We want to let other students of our people that there are Native Americans on campus and if they have the dream or desire to go to school, we’re here to help support them.”
While the American Indian community does face unique issues on campus, most students have felt welcome on campus.
“I personally haven’t [heard] bad racist comments, but there have been a few incidents where ignorant comments were made, but they weren’t in your face,” said Anthony Gusman, president of the intertribal association.
But Gusman hopes the week focused on celebrating the community rather than the difficulties it faces.
“The problems need to come out, but I think as a people as a whole, we have more to celebrate than to worry about,” he said.
Today, intertribal association is hosting a youth conference for high schoolers to explore the campus, and get to know the American Indian campus community. The students will come from all parts of the state.
Tonight and Saturday, the Huntsman Center will house a powwow displaying dances from numerous tribes. The event was moved from the Union Ballroom to the Huntsman Center because of the number of people who attended.
“There will be people from all over the western half of the United States. Last year we had more than 200 different dancers, and I hope to have more this year,” Tyner said.