Grand Valley to celebrate Native American heritage

Grand Valley's annual Native American Heritage Celebration kicks off October 10 with an event that will take a deep look at the history of Columbus Day.

"Rethinking Columbus: A Movement Towards Indigenous Peoples Day" will feature a panel discussion about the historical and social impact of the colonization of the Americas. The program will take place from 6-8 p.m. in the Cook-DeWitt Center.

Below is a full schedule of Native American Heritage Celebration events, which are free, open to the public and take place on the Allendale Campus. The celebration is organized by the Office of Multicultural Affairs. Visit www.gvsu.edu/oma for more information.

Preserving the Norton Burial Mounds

Thursday, October 20, 4-5 p.m., Kirkhof Center, room 2263

The Diversity Brown Bag Series event will be facilitated by Jeff Chivis, an anthropology doctoral student at Michigan State University and a citizen of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi. He will discuss the Norton Mound National Historic Landmark in West Michigan, one of only a few surviving Hopewellian burial mounds.

Native American Student Association Day of Service

Saturday, October 22, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

The Native American Student Association will participate in Make a Difference Day by volunteering at the Norton Mound National Historic Landmark.

"Reel Injun" Film Screening

Friday, November 4, noon-2 p.m., Kirkhof Center, room 1240

The Canadian documentary explores the portrayal of Native Americans in film, including stereotypes and the practice of using Italian Americans as Indians.

"The Canary Effect" Film Screening

Friday, November 11, noon-2 p.m., Kirkhof Center, room 1240

The film features the historic realities of Native Americans, including the abuses of indigenous people and its continuing affects today.