UW Gazette, February 26, 1997
     
     Wilfrid Laurier University and UW will present the
rich and diverse culture of Canada's First Nations during
Native Peoples Awareness Week, to be held March 3-7.
     The special event, which will feature native speakers
as well as displays of artifacts, books and crafts, was
organized by the Native Studies Development Committee of UW
and WLU in co-operation with Native people living in
Kitchener-Waterloo.
     "This is an opportunity to demonstrate the importance
of the cultural contributions of Native Peoples in the local
community and of First Nations in Canada," says Dr. Bob Need
ham, director of Canadian Studies at UW. "The week's events
are also aimed at promoting awareness of the accessibility
of both UW and WLU to Native students."
     Keynote speaker will be Ovide Mercredi, Grand Chief of
the Assembly of First Nations, who will give a public
lecture Thursday (March 6) at 8 p.m. in UW's Humanities The
atre. Just before his speech, there will be a Native drum
and dance performance.
     Throughout the week, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Native
crafts will be displayed in UW's Student Life Centre and at
WLU's Concourse. On Monday (March 3), Drew Hayden Taylor, a
Native author and poet, will give a reading and lecture at
Conrad Grebel College, Great Hall.
     On Tuesday, Reva Jewell, executive director of Council
Fire, will speak on Native women's issues at 1:30 p.m. at
St. Paul's United College. A panel discussion will follow,
with Native women Carolyn Oliver, Jean Becker and Arlene
Smith.
     Teaching and Learning in Native studies will be
explored Wednesday as part of Native students orientation
day. Events begin at 10 a.m. at the Paul Martin Centre at
WLU and will include tours of both campuses, as well as a
panel discussion at 1:30 p.m. in Needles Hall room 3001.
     On Thursday, St. Paul's will put on a "Feast of
Traditional Native Food," beginning at 4:30 p.m.
     Native films and videos will be shown at two UW
locations on Friday morning, starting at 9 a.m.: The
Learning Path and Keepers of the Fire, in Arts Lecture Hall
room 105; The Learning Path and The Spirit Within, in Davis
Centre room 1204.