Exploring Native American genocide

This year’s Lichtman-Behm Genocide Lecture Series will be held Oct. 17-20. Our theme, the genocide of Native Americans, is a controversial one. For much of American history, a combination of colonial conflict, disease, atrocities, and discrimination has devastated Native American communities.

This year's keynote speaker will be Chief Billy Friend of the Wyandotte Nation, who will share the history of the Wyandottes, once based in Ohio and now in northeastern Oklahoma, emphasizing their adaptation and perseverance in the face of incredible hardship. The Wyandotte Nation has taken remarkable steps to preserve its heritage, culture, and history for future generations. Click here to read more about Chief Friend.

Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to attend several events this year:

• Monday, Oct. 17 at 7 p.m.:  Showing of the film Skins, Ohl Concert Hall. Click here for more information.

• Tuesday, Oct. 18 at 7 p.m.:  Adaptation and Perseverance: Wyandotte Experiences – keynote address by Chief Billy Friend, Wickham Great Hall.

• Thursday, Oct. 20 at 7 p.m.:  Native American Cultural Event with Music – performance by SouthEastern WaterSpider, a Native American drum group, Campus Center Lawn (weather permitting). Rain location: Wickham Great Hall.

In addition to these three events, Heidelberg will welcome more than 1,000 local/area middle school and high school students to campus for a presentation by Chief Friend on Tuesday morning. Prior to that presentation, faculty members are developing a series of mini-sessions on Native American history and culture, designed to get the students prepared for the keynote. Participating presenters include: Courtney DeMayo, Carol Dusdieker, David Hogan, Nainsí Houston, Ellen Nagy, Marc O'Reilly, Justin Pruneski, Neil Sass, Paul Stark, Traci Stark and student Alex Hampton.