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 2023: Indigenous Miami Valley
Monday, Nov. 6, 2023; University of Dayton
The 2023 Native Peoples of the Americas Colloquium is focusing on the "Indigenous Miami Valley" as a geographic, cultural and political space for Native peoples. While many tribes experienced removal from these lands, their connection to them was not extinguished by settler encroachment and enforcement, and the speakers we are hosting will discuss how Indigenous people resist erasure and advance cultural continuance in their communities.
Opening Blessing
10:10-11 a.m., Green space outside of Humanities Center
Miami Tribe of Oklahoma and Miami (Ohio) University: Partners in Learning
12:30-2 p.m., Kennedy Union Ballroom
Speakers: Daryl Baldwin and Kara Strass
The Miami Tribe and Miami (Ohio) University have built a reciprocal relationship that spans more than 50 years. We will discuss the evolution of this relationship, the outcomes of the partnership including the Myaamia Center and Myaamia Heritage Program, as well as the impact on Myaamia language and cultural revitalization.
Craft Session with Leon Briggs
2:30-3:20 pm, Kennedy Union, Rooms 2072 and 11
We’ll be making a bone eagle feather necklace, which is made from a carved bone feather along with glass and metal beads. The necklace represents vision and direction.
Building Stronger Community: Respecting Land, Tradition and History
5-6:30 p.m., Kennedy Union Ballroom
Speakers: Guy Jones, Lance Soto and Stephanie Van Hoose
Local Indigenous community members and leaders Guy Jones, Lance Soto, and Stephanie Van Hoose share their past and present work, as well as talking about where their future work is headed. Building a stronger community requires engaging with Native people who have always been here to build a more inclusive future moving forward.
Craft Session with Leon Briggs
7-8:30 p.m., Kennedy Union, Room 207
We’ll be making an amulet bag, which is intended to be worn and is made of leather and fringed. The option to add beads and charms will also be offered.
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.
