Eastern Michigan University’s Center for Multicultural Affairs put on the Lively Luncheon event in the Student Center Nov. 1. These luncheons are held every month in regards to current events on a different topic or culture. This particular luncheon was held for Native American Heritage Month and was hosted by the Native American Student Organization.
Some of the topics brought up during the luncheon were Native American traditions, rights and history. Main speaker Shoshana Phillips, executive director of Heritage of Healing, has been attending powwows, conferences and other gatherings with free, available information on these topics since January 2008.
When discussing the traditions of Native Americans at the luncheon, Phillips spoke about the history of powwows. According to Phillips, they originated as a spiritual gathering and are a sense of unification of people.
“Native Americans were the only group not guaranteed freedom of religion by the constitution, and the government arrested people for participating,” Philips said.
Often times Native Americans would “hold powwows and say there was no prayer in order to continue having them.” This was one of many topics brought up during the discussion.
Event coordinator Charnessa Paige said the Lively Luncheon dialogue series was created as an informal way for members of the EMU community to come together and to talk about current issues.
“The students and volunteers who work for the Center for Multicultural Affairs actually came up with the idea,” Paige said.
“While the CMA does put on great social and educational programs, students recognized a need for ongoing dialogue that many of our programs introduce. It’s a great way to bring people together, provide a meal and share great conversation.”
“Many people are looking for ways to engage in things that happen on campus, but simply many [do] not have the time to do so,” Paige said. “The Lively Luncheon dialogue series is a great way to get involved, to meet new students and to see what the Center for Multicultural Affairs and Diversity and Community Involvement have
to offer.”
As stated by the Center of Multicultural Affairs, their goal is to implement “educational and cultural programs that improve campus climate and enhance community life at EMU.” The Lively Luncheon is one of the regular events they host in order to expose and educate students to different cultures.
Food is free and served on a first-come, first-serve basis and every luncheon has guest speakers to answer questions and direct conversation.
Some of the cultural heritage celebrations the CMA encourages involvement in are Latino Heritage Month, Native American Heritage Month, Black History Month and Asian/Pacific Islander Month.
Additional Info:
The following events will be held at the Student Center during November:
•Annual Native American Fall Feast: Monday, Nov. 5, Room 310 A/B, Student Center at 6 p.m. (Please donate canned goods for Food Gatherers)
•Rhymes and Reasons: Tuesday, Nov. 13, KIVA Room, Student Center at 2 p.m.
•Don’t Get Sick After June: American Indian Healthcare Documentary Monday, Nov. 19, Room 300, Student Center at 6 p.m.
If you would like further information on what the CMA is doing you can visit their office in room 358 of the Student Center, visit emich.edu/cma or call 734-487-2377. To learn more about Heritage of Healing, you can visit heritageofhealing.org or call Shoshana Phillips at 734-544-1785.
