November is recognized nationwide as Alaska Native and Native American Heritage Month, and Kenai Peninsula College is hosting multiple events in celebration of the occasion.
On Tuesday, Nov. 12, KPC will be hosting a necklace-making event titled “Nats’ii zagha ‘snelyaayi baninic’ezet” or “You think good things while making a necklace.” The event will be held from 6:30-9 p.m. in the McLane building room 266. Participants will learn to make necklaces for a Dene giveaway.
On Thursday, Nov. 14, KPC students are encouraged to wear their moccasins and regalia on campus for “Rock Your Mocs” day. A group photo is planned for 4 p.m. that day.
Also on Thursday, Nov. 14, KPC will be screening “Dawnland,” an Emmy-winning film that tells the story of Indigenous child removal in the U.S. and explores the impact of Maine’s child welfare practices on the Wabanaki people through the nation’s first-ever government-sanctioned truth and reconciliation commission. The film will be screened from 6:30-9 p.m. at KPC’s McLane Commons.
The following Thursday, Nov. 21, Yup’ik singer and comedian Cody Ferguson will be visiting KPC as a cultural ambassador and giving a presentation on the Evolution of Yup’ik Dance. The event will take place from 5:30-9 p.m. in the McLane Commons.
To end the month, on Saturday, Nov. 23 the Kahtnu Yurartet dance group will be hosting a community potluck and performing traditional songs and dances. The gathering will take place from 4-9 p.m. in the multipurpose room of KPC’s Residence Hall.
All Heritage Month events are free and open to the public. For more information on any of these events, contact Sondra Shaginoff-Stuart, KPC Rural and Native Student Services Coordinator, at 907-262-0213.
