The American Indian Center of Chicago- The Nation's oldest urban indian center.

The AIC E-Events ... including news & events from the Native American community of Chicagoland. - May 12th, 2008

To view last week's e-events, please click this link.

This newsletter includes many more events at the AIC’s Trickster Gallery in Schaumburg, IL
Trickster Gallery
190 South Roselle Road
Schaumburg, Illinois, 60193

Hours of Operation:Tue/Wed/Thu/Sat, 11am-6pm & Friday, 11am-8pm

Suggested Donation: Adults $5 Seniors and Children $2

For more information: 847.301.2090 trickstergallery@aic-chicago.org

AIC’s 54th annual Powwow is on MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/169360130

Trickster Gallery is on MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/trickstergallery

Powwow at the American Indian Center

1630 W. Wilson
Welcoming our Maori Brothers and Sisters from New Zealand
Thursday May 15, 2008 6 pm. Pot luck feast, Powwow 7 pm. to 9 pm.
Dancers in regalia paid.

Applications for the Positive Paths summer program are now available at the AIC and online. This year we will offer programming from 9 AM - 5:30 PM, Monday through Friday, including weekly field trips and days at the beach. Programming with include nature explorations with Native Scientists through the Urban Explorers program, a magazine journalism writing and design program, animation workshops and organized sports. The program is free, and includes lunch and twice daily snacks. Deadline for applications is May 30.

For a Summer Program Application via email, please email Stacey Dugan at stacey@aic-chicago.org. or download application packet

Is your child interested in college?

The summer after her sophomore year, my daughter attended College Horizons ( http://www.collegehorizons.org). It is a five-day gathering of ninety tribally enrolled Native kids interested in college. Financial aide and Admissions staff from the top private and public universities in the country spend hours and hours with each kid, helping them polish admissions essays, learning how to fill out financial aide forms, and learning strategies for succeeding in college. Three years later, my daughter is finishing her freshman year at Yale.

The program cost is $200. That covers tuition, room, meals, and all materials. There are funds to cover travel if you have financial need. The brochure says over half their students are provided travel costs. I just received an email, indicating they still have slots available. If your kid is college-bound, fill out the application right away. If you have questions, call Christine Suina (she's from Cochiti Pueblo) at 505-401-3854.

Debbie A. Reese (Nanbé Ówîngeh)
Assistant Professor, American Indian Studies
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Native American House, Room 2005
1204 West Nevada Street, MC-138
Urbana, Illinois 61801

Email: debreese@uiuc.edu
TEL 217-265-9885
FAX 217-265-9880

Native American House Congratulatory Ceremony
Date: Saturday, May 10, 2008
Time: 6:00 pm
Location: Native American House, 1206 W. Nevada Street, Urbana, IL 61801

What is the Native American House congratulatory ceremony? The Native American House Congratulatory Ceremony is the only American Indian/Native American Ceremony held on the UIUC campus. An informal reception will be held at the Native American House following the ceremony. If you have any questions, please contact John McKinn or (217) 265-9870.

WE NEED VOLUNTEERS to work on the annual Native American Graduation/Awards Ceremony
The Committee tasks will include:
*identifying potential keynote speaker
*compiling a list of graduates -- kindergarten, 8th grade, high school, college
*identifying student speakers
*contacting potential sponsors
*supplies/materials
*donation of foods

Please contact Rita Hodge, 312.996.4515 or rhodge@uic.edu

American Indian Center of Chicago invite you to submit a nomination of students to participate in the“URBAN EXPLORERS”-Culturally based Native Science Education Summer Program

DEADLINE DATE FOR NOMINATION- Friday, May 30, 2008

PROGRAM INFORMATION- When: Monday, June 15- Wednesday, July 2, 2008
(Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.)

Who: Students entering 5th-8th grade in Fall 2008
Only 20 students will be selected to participate in the program

Activities: Collecting and examining water samples during a day of canoeing
                Using our traditional languages to identify plant and animal relatives
                Learning traditional stories during a night of camping
                Using technology to record their excursions around the city

*To obtain a nomination form, please contact Cynthia Soto at 773-318-8842 or c-soto@northwestern.edu

Spirited Daughters Art Exhibit Opening Reception
May 31st, 2008 from 1:00-4:00pm
At the Trickster Gallery in Schaumburg, IL

Native American young women will be showcasing their artistic talent in a multi-disciplinary fashion giving the audience an insight into their hopes, dreams, challenges and wisdom. The Spirited Daughters Art Exhibit is giving a voice to the young women in the Native American community, not only in Chicago but in the Midwest area. The planning committee for this event is comprised entirely of young adults, which allows them to develop their organization skills and show their leadership. This event will give its participants and planners a sense of accomplishment, teach them about the business aspects of art, and give them a venue for their voice to be heard. We are hoping that we will gain enough support that the art exhibit can become an annual event. Mark your calendars! You won't want to miss this experience.

If you are interested in learning more, supporting us or becoming part of the Spirited Daughters Planning Committee please feel free to contact spiriteddaughters@yahoo.com.

COMMUNITY CLEAN UP DAY: The American Indian Center is inviting all community members/volunteers for a day of Spring Cleaning on Saturday, May 17, 2008 from 10am to 3pm. This is a great opportunity for family and friends to work together to make improvements at the AIC (1630 W. Wilson Ave. , Chicago)

Come out for a day of good clean FUN!!! There will be plenty of snacks, drinks plus a light lunch will be provided. If you would like more information contact Christine @ 773-275-5871 x19. All help will be appreciated and hope to see you on Saturday 5/17/08!

For the 4th Annual Honor the Eagle Pow Wow
May 17-18, 2008
Starved Rock State Park, Utica IL.

This event is sponsored by Midwest SOARRING Foundation

Saturday: 11AM-10PM -Grand Entry: Noon and 6PM

Sunday: Noon -5PM Grand Entry: 1PM

Admission: Adults $6 Seniors (62+) Children (6-12) $4 Weekend passes- Adults: $10 Seniors/Children $6

PLEASE BRING LAWN CHAIRS AND BLANKETS

For more info or to volunteer call 773-585-1744. For printable flyer visit www.midwestsoarring.org

JOB OPENING ANNOUNCEMENT

Job Title: Nutrition Programs Cook/Coordinator
Department: Wellness Department, American Indian Center
Reports to: Registered Dietitian
FLSA Status: Part-time Regular, Non-exempt

Applications Open: May 7, 2008 Closed: May 17, 2008

Letter of Application Interest by email ONLY (no fax, phone or post office mail) to:
Sally Wagoner, RN, BSN: salwag@netzero.com. Send by May 17
Email Sally Wagoner for full job description…

White Bison returns to Chicago ! Medicine Wheel and 12 step fire starter training!

Training Dates: June 24-26, 2008 8am-5pm **Please register by June 12, 2008**
Location: American Indian Center of Chicago 1630 W Wilson Ave, Chicago, IL 60640
Cost: This training is offered at no charge to participants. **In addition we ask that participants fill out an application to become a Firestarter, this can be found at: http://www.whitebison.org/wellbriety_movement/fire_application.php

What is the Firestarter Medicine Wheel and 12 Step Program?
The Medicine Wheel and 12 Step program was developed to provide a culturally appropriate 12 Step program for Native American people. This program was developed by White Bison, based upon Teachings of the Medicine Wheel, the Cycle of Life and the Four Laws of Change. The teachings of this Medicine and 12 Step program are also used in our Warrior Down program making it a pre-requisite for participating in that training.

Please fill out the application to become a Firestarter at http://www.whitebison.org/wellbriety_movement/fire_application.php

Return Application & Registration form to: White Bison, Fax Number: 719-548-9407 For additional information contact: Amanda Manbeck, Program Manager, White Bison, Inc 1-877-871-1495

There's a wildly popular children's novel called TOUCHING SPIRIT BEAR that plays fast and loose with Native ideas of justice, and, that attributes things to the Tlingit that are not correct... (See May 4th entry below).

Below are updates to American Indians in Children's Literature for the last three weeks. Brief descriptions are below. To read the entire essays and reviews, please go to americanindiansinchildrensliterature.blogspot.com

If you wish, you can forward this email to parent, teacher, and educator listservs you're subscribed to.

Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Joseph Bruchac's BUFFALO SONG
--A review by Beverly Slapin

Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Van Camp and Leitich Smith at Illinois Youth Literature Festival
--Two of my favorite Native authors will be in Illinois Oct 2008!

Thursday, April 24, 2008
Presentation of American Indian Library Association Youth Lit Award
--Information about for anybody attending the American Library Association's conference this summer

Saturday, May 3, 2008
Jorge Argueta's ALFREDITO FLIES HOME
--A review by Beverly Slapin

Sunday, May 4, 2008
A Response to Richie's review of GHOST OF SPIRIT BEAR
--There's a sequel to TOUCHING SPIRIT BEAR, and a review of it has been circulating on the internet. I find the original book problematic, and the review of the sequel demonstrates what is wrong with the original book.
Thanks!
Debbie

Visit my Internet blog and resource: American Indians in Children's Literature. To get to it, go to my faculty bio and click on 'Web Page' http://www.nah.uiuc.edu/faculty-Reese.htm

Email: debreese@uiuc.edu TEL 217-265-9885 FAX 217-265-9880

American Indian Center of Chicago invite you to submit a nomination of students to participate in the “URBAN EXPLORERS”-Culturally based Native Science Education Summer Program

DEADLINE DATE FOR NOMINATION- Friday, May 30, 2008

PROGRAM INFORMATION-
When: Monday, June 15- Wednesday, July 2, 2008 (Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.)

Who: Students entering 5th-8th grade in Fall 2008 Only 20 students will be selected to participate in the program

Activities: Collecting and examining water samples during a day of canoeing Using our traditional languages to identify plant and animal relatives. Learning traditional stories during a night of camping Using technology to record their excursions around the city

*To obtain a nomination form, please contact Cynthia Soto at 773-318-8842 or c-soto@northwestern.edu

American Indian Health Service of Chicago, Inc.

Help Us Improve Health Services for Urban American Indians. An Urban Needs Assessment project is currently in progress for the Indian Health Service’s Bemidji Area, including Chicago.

We need 400 individuals to participate in an hour long interview to aid us in planning services for the urban American Indian populations.

By participating in this interview, you will help us identify the health needs of the community so that we may tailor our services in order to better serve you. As a thank you for your input, you will be compensated with a $25.00 gift card at the completion of the interview.

Please call Ms. Sharon Mendoza for more information at 773.883.9100 X 17.

Participants do not need to be clients of AIHSC, but they must be an American Indian tribal member or descendant, at least 18 years old and a Chicago area resident.

Native American Community Graduation Celebration

Thursday, June 5, 2008
American Indian Center
5:30 p.m.

Please contact Rita Hodge at 312-996-4515 or rhodge@uic.edu with the name of kindergarten, 8th grade, high school or college graduates. Please state name of graduate, grade and school graduating from, and tribal affiliation.

TRICKSTER GALLERY

presents

MOVIE NIGHT
Every Friday Night at 6:00pm! $5 Admission Fresh Popcorn, Candy, & Drinks Available- Discussion Following Movie

May 16th - “A THIEF IN TIME”
Navajo tribal policemen Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee are back for a third thrilling MYSTERY! case, based on the bestselling novels of Tony Hillerman. An archaeologist turned pottery poacher thinks she has cracked the secret of the vanished Anasazi culture, when she herself vanishes. As other poachers start dropping dead, Leaphorn and Chee must piece together a case as complicated as the mysteriously decorated pots that seem to motivate the killer.

May 23rd - “SKINS”
Rudy Yellowshirt is an investigator with the police department and witnesses firsthand the painful legacy of Indian existence. Although rampant unemployment, alcoholism and domestic violence are the norm for many reservation inhabitants, Rudy has largely escaped this cycle of despair. His brother Mogie, however, has not. Now faced with the discovery of a bloodied body, a flaming liquor store just off native land that sells millions of cans of beer a year to the native population, and his brother’s ongoing self-destruction, Rudy goes on a quest to avenge himself, his family, and his culture and to seek justice.

May 30th - “SMOKE SIGNALS”
Set in Arizona, Smoke Signals is the story of two Indian boys on a journey. Victor (Adam Beach) is the stoic, handsome son of an alcoholic father who has abandoned his family. Thomas (Evan Adams) is a gregarious, goofy young man who lost both his parents in a fire at a very young age. Through storytelling, Thomas makes every effort to connect with the people around him; Victor, in contrast, uses his quiet countenance to gain strength and confidence. When Victor’s estranged father dies, the two men embark on an adventure to Phoenix to collect the ashes. Along the way, Smoke Signals illustrates the ties that bind these two very different young men and embraces the lessons they learn from one another.

*The movies being featured in May have all been done by Native American film director, Chris Eyre.*

NATIVE AMERICAN STORYTIME
Bring the family in to enjoy Native American Trickster tales!
Saturday, May 10th &17th @ 1:00pm

“SPIRITED DAUGHTERS”
Exhibit Opening Saturday May 31st @ 1:00pm featuring Young female Native American artists ages 10-25

Elder's Lunch at AIC: 12 noon, every Wednesday! Free for seniors, $3 for others. Blood pressure and blood sugar screening from 11am - 1pm.

AIC Flea-Market: Second Saturday of each month. See You in the Spring!

AIC Bingo is on the first Friday of the month.

Powwow Committee meets the 3rd Thursday of every month @ 7:00 pm at AIC.

AA MEETINGS EVERY SUNDAY! 4 PM - 5 PM

AMERICAN INDIAN CENTER 1630 W. WILSON, CHGO. IL 60640

I AM RESPONSIBLE
"When anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help, I want the hand of A.A. always to be there and for that, I AM RESPONSIBLE." (Bill W. - Toronto 1965).

If you would like to add some news please submit one short paragraph to: aic50@aic-chicago.org Events outside of the American Indian Center of Chicago will be posted for approximately 2 weeks. Powwows will be listed for one (1) week in the E-Events and then they will be posted on the AIC website. The AIC E-Events email goes out on Sunday and your paragraph must be submitted by Wednesday of the week prior. Please do NOT send flyers or attachments