ALMA — The Alma College Diversity and Inclusion Office is partnering with the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe for an event in celebration of Native American Heritage Month (NAHM).
The first annual NAHM Drum and Dance Presentation, open to the public and free to attend, will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 14, in the Oscar E. Remick Heritage Center for the Performing Arts, Presbyterian Hall. Organizers said they were pleased to partner with the tribe, based in Isabella County, in order to celebrate its traditions.
“We’re proud to work with the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe and provide the Alma and Gratiot County communities an opportunity to understand indigenous cultures, traditions and wisdom,” said Jonathan Glenn, director of the Diversity and Inclusion Office at Alma College. “The tribe has been integral to the mid-Michigan region since time immemorial, and recognition of its people is essential to truly extending outreach into our local areas.”
At the event, dancers and tribal leaders will offer not only examples of various styles of dance, but also explanations for how and when those dances are performed. For more information, email Glenn at glennjb@alma.edu.
The Drum and Dance Presentation is taking place to commemorate Native American Heritage Month, recognized nationally during the month of November since 1990.