The University of North Dakota will once again sponsor Exploring the American Indian Experience – Spring 2005 Series of Events, which are designed to build community awareness and understanding of American Indians. American Indians have a long history of culture and traditions. Exploring the American Indian Experience (AIE) offers an opportunity for you to learn more about the many aspects of contemporary Indian issues and cultures. Through a series of community forums, book discussions and a powwow demonstration, you will obtain answers to questions you have about the American Indian culture and lifestyle. All events are free of charge and open to everyone who wants to learn more about American Indian cultures.

Don’t miss your opportunity to:

READ, SHARE and DISCUSS the ideas and issues brought to light in Essie’s Story: The Life and Legacy of a Shoshone Teacher through two community-wide book discussions.

LEARN how Essie Horne sees Sacajawea as a personal metaphor, by which she makes sense of her own life as an American Indian.

GAIN knowledge of the unique history and culture of American Indian people.

RECOGNIZE how American Indians struggled to retain their cultural identities within boarding schools designed to assimilate them.

APPRECIATE the diversity in our community.

PROMOTE tolerance and sensitivity among all groups of people.

EXPERIENCE the pageantry, color, dancing and music of the powwow as a celebration of life.

DISCOVER the meaning of powwows as a cultural expression for American Indians.

Sponsored By The University of North Dakota: Office of the President Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs Office of the Vice President for Student & Outreach Services Office of University Relations College of Education & Human Development Cultural Awareness Committee	In Cooperation With: American Indian Programs Council American Indian Student Services Barnes & Noble Bookstore Department of Indian Studies Division of Continuing Education Grand Forks Herald University of North Dakota Indian Association (UNDIA) This project is supported in part by a grant from the City of Grand Forks through the North Valley Arts Council.

Artwork designed by Jake Thompson and Merry Ketterling.
Symbolism of artwork: Education is a MOUNTAIN to shoot for and one must learn self-discipline, endure suffering and insurmountable obstacles to get to the top. The ARROW at the top of the MOUNTAIN symbolizes strength and achievement, as the top is reached and aiming for more. It is also symbolic of prayers flying to the Great Spirit, asking for his support. The Morning STAR symbolizes the length between past and present. The FIVE FEATHERS represent the five reservations that are part of North Dakota and the PIPE is a symbol of strength and spirituality. The TIPIs stand at the four DIRECTIONS.