A nationally known comedian and a Navajo code-talker are among the featured guests for the University of Colorado at Boulder's celebration of Native American Awareness Week, April 15-19.Ìý
Comedian Charlie Hill, a veteran of six NBC Tonight Show appearances, will present a 7 p.m. show in the University Memorial Center's multipurpose room April 15. Recognized as one of America's best American Indian comics, Hill doesn't shy away from discussing issues and stereotypes in his sets.
"He talks about stereotypes in a fun way, without putting anyone down," said Jeanine Valdez, a senior biology major and member of CU-Boulder's Oyate Native American student organization.
On April 16 at 7 p.m., Navajo code-talker Bill Toledo will make a presentation in the UMC Multipurpose Room. To help defeat Japan in World War II, Navajo code-talkers developed a code for the United States Army. They have received a number of awards and were recognized by Congress this year.
The CU-Boulder American Indian community will have an opportunity to display artwork on April 17 in the Dennis Small Cultural Center in the UMC, starting at 5:30 p.m. The following day, American Indian drummers will participate in the re-dedication ceremony for the Dennis Small center.
Native American Awareness Week wraps-up on April 19 with a Pueblo Dance showcase by the Walatowa Youth Empowerment Group, at 7 p.m. in the UMC multipurpose room. The group will perform traditional dances.
The week's events are free and open to the public.
"This is a great way to raise awareness of Native American issues, especially since we're not one of the more visible groups on campus," Valdez said. American Indians comprise less than 1 percent of CU-Boulder's student population.
The Oyate Native American Student organization serves as a support center for graduate and undergraduate American Indian students at CU, who can come together to share their unique cultures, backgrounds and traditions at a number of events and meetings.
Along with academic support, Oyate provides a place for students to network with each other and with local and national student groups. Weekly meetings are held on campus in the UMC. For more information about Oyate, call (303) 492-8874.