COD Symposium to Focus on Native Americans Oct. 22 to 26

College of DuPage’s Native American Studies Committee will host “Native Voices,” a symposium focusing on the communication of traditions, beauty and diversity of Native Americans, from Oct. 22 to 26 on the College’s Glen Ellyn campus.

Scheduled events include the following:

Tall Paul: Hip-Hop Performance

Born and raised in Minnesota, Tall Paul is an Anishinaabe and Oneida Hip-Hop artist enrolled on the Leech Lake Reservation. From personal expressions of self to thought-provoking commentary on issues affecting indigenous and diverse communities, Tall Paul’s music strongly reflects his inner-city upbringing and evokes a wide variety of substance and soul.

Monday, Oct. 22, 2 to 3 p.m.

Student Services Center, Room 1200

Communicating Culture, Values and Identity through Modern Native Art

Joseph Podlasek is the CEO of the Trickster Art Gallery in Schaumburg, a founding member and current vice president of National Urban Indian Family Coalition, and an enrolled member of the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe Tribe. He will discuss how contemporary Native American art communicates Native culture, values and identity, specifically focusing on Native veterans. This interactive 30-minute presentation will be followed by a 20-minute Q&A.

Tuesday, Oct. 23, 1 to 1:50 p.m.

Student Services Center, Room Room 2201

Voices in Stone: Ancient Maya Hieroglyphic Writing

David Ouellette, Assistant Professor of Art History at COD who specializes in the art and architecture of ancient Mesoamerica, will discuss Mayan hieroglyphic writing and codices, including how they function and the history of decipherment. He also will look at groups today working to teach native Maya language back to Maya people. The presentation will involve an image-based lecture with hands-on deciphering for attendees.

Wednesday, Oct. 24, 3 to 3:50 p.m.

Berg Instructional Center, Room 1H08

“Keep Talking” Film Screening and Discussion

This film follows four Native Alaskan women fighting to save Kodiak Alutiiq, an endangered language now spoken by less than 40 remaining fluent native elders, as they travel to remote Afognak Island to begin teaching children the language. “Keep Talking” reveals the ultimate effect of language and culture revitalization: joy and hope. A post-screening discussion is co-sponsored by NAS Committee and the Sustainability Film and Discussion Series.

Thursday, Oct. 25, 7 to 9 p.m.

Health and Science Center, Room 1234

For more information on these events, contact John Paris at parisj@cod.edu or the Field and Experiential Learning, Study Abroad and Global Education office at (630) 942-2356.