Natives Peoples of the Americas Colloquium
The Native Peoples of the Americas Colloquium is an annual gathering that shines light on Indigenous Peoples’ history, culture and spirituality through presentations, films, performances and workshops. The Native Peoples of the Americas Colloquium is coordinated by a planning committee of University faculty and staff, and local indigenous scholars and activists. Mary Anne Angel founded Circle of Light, which launched the Colloquium, in 2000.
NPAC is part of the Race & Ethnic Studies program.
NPAC 2022: Embodied Knowledges: Indigenous Ways of Being, Thinking and Doing
Decolonizing Your Pantry
6-7:30 p.m., Monday, Nov. 7, via Zoom
Every time we walk into a grocery store, we make a series of decisions that impact everything, from our bodies and minds to the air we breathe and the soil we walk upon. Colonial food systems provide lots of calories, but they are deficient in spiritual and emotional nourishment and they lack any connection to land and people. Food sovereignty is a vitally important movement that asks us to think about the systems that are supported by our grocery purchases. Join Luke and Linda Black Elk as they discuss simple and efficient ways to begin the process of decolonization on the path to food sovereignty.
Language Revitalization & Gender Diversity
1:30-3:00 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 9, via Zoom
Join Kai Minosh Pyle and Awanigiizhik Bruce for a conversation regarding language revitalization and their work to find language for gender diversity.
Community Arts Event
6-8 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 9, 4th floor of Fitz Hall, GEMnasium space
Leon Briggs will conduct a session on the "Seneca No Face Dolls," commonly known as corn husk dolls. Leon will discuss the story behind corn husk dolls, drawing upon traditional teachings about vanity, equality, and respect for all people in our communities, followed by walking participants through the steps of making their own corn husk doll. Please register below so we have sufficient supplies.
Additional AVIATE Events
Opening Blessing
10-11 a.m., Monday, Nov. 7
Plant Talk/Green Space Walk with Leon Briggs
1:25-3:20 p.m. Monday, Nov. 7, Humanities Plaza
Join Leon Briggs for a walking tour of the UD campus and close surrounding areas to learn about native plants and their roles in our eco-system as well as discussing finding, identifying and using Native plants and herbs for medicinal and nutritional purposes. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather.
Register for this session through AVIATE
Jewelry Making with Leon Briggs
3:35-4:50 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 8, 4th floor Fitz Hall, GEMnasium space
Leon Briggs will discuss and demonstrate some traditional jewelry making techniques, followed by an opportunity to create your own pieces.
Register for this session through AVIATE
Plant Talk/Green Space Walk with Leon Briggs
10:10 a.m.-12:05 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 9, Humanities Plaza
Join Leon Briggs for a walking tour of the UD campus and close surrounding areas to learn about native plants and their roles in our eco-system as well as discussing finding, identifying and using Native plants and herbs for medicinal and nutritional purposes. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather.
Register for this session through AVIATE
NPAC 2021: #LandBack: Indigenous Sovereignty and Self-Determination
Above artwork, LAND BACK (Version 2), 2021, from Whess Harman
Indigenous Art & Activism
Jim Denomie (Lac Court Oreilles Band of Ojibwe) and Whess Harman (Carrier Wit’at) shared their art and discussed how they crafted it to advance Indigenous rights.
Respecting the Land
Leon Briggs (Seneca Nation, Tonawanda Reserve) discussed land use and sovereignty, as well as the protection of sacred medicinal plants for the next seven generations. His talk included the importance of creating and maintaining natural green spaces, specifically those incorporating indigenous plants.
Sovereignty in Law and Letters: Mary Kathryn Nagle
Litigator and playwright Mary Kathryn Nagle (Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma) discussed the role of courts in asserting and preserving tribal sovereignty.
Recognition, Reclamation and Rematriation: Contemporary Land Back Movements
Corinna Gould (Lisjan Ohlone) from Sogorea Te’ Land Trust, Chase Iron Eyes (Oglala Sioux) from Lakota People’s Law Project and Kanahus Manuel (Secwepemc) from Tiny House Warriors detailed the work they pursue to protect the sovereign land rights of their nations, as well as the importance of making Indigenous knowledge visible as a necessary alternative to ongoing settler colonial practices.
