RSS FeedFor immediate release
Native American History Topic for Many November Programs
November is Native American History month, and Jackson Community College will present a number of historical programs examining Native American topics, in addition to the Spanish Inquisition, over the coming month. All are free and open to the public. Programs include:
The Inquisition, 1 p.m. November 3 & 4, JCC Potter Center Federer Rooms. Used for both religious and political reasons, the Spanish Inquisition was one of the most deadly inquisitions in history. Following the Crusades and the Re-conquest of Spain by the Christian Spaniards, the leaders of Spain needed a way to unify the country into a strong nation. Ferdinand and Isabella chose Catholicism to unite Spain and in 1478 asked permission of the pope to begin the Spanish Inquisition to purify the people of Spain. They began by driving out Jews, Protestants and other non-believers. Recently opened Vatican archives bring to light compelling new historical information about the Inquisition and its brutal tactics. Learn the story of "The Black Legend," the Grand Inquisitor Tomas Torquemad, who personally sent an estimated 15,000 people to their death. Phone the Atkinson Library at 517-796-8622 for more information about this documentary.
Chief Pontiac: A Rebel With a Cause, documentary, 1 p.m. November 10 & 11, Atkinson Library, Bert Walker Hall. Chief Pontiac was a heroic warrior who united previously feuding tribes in an unprecedented resistance to the men who would change their way of life and the face of their land forever. He left a legacy of courage and honor when, on April 27, 1762, he called together a council of more than 400 Ottawa, Huron and Pottawatomie chiefs and warriors. The result of this council was the Native American resistance of 1763 led by the Ottawa war chief, Pontiac. Phone the Library at 517-796-8622 for more information.
"Lakota Woman," 1 p.m. November 9, Atkinson Library, Bert Walker Hall. Anger that's been swirling for 100 years finally explodes like a force of nature. This movie tells the inspiring, true story of the 1973 uprising that united Native Americans in their fight for survival. One woman rises from ignorance and fear to meet the challenge of her heritage during a bloody siege in which 2,000 Native Americans stood their ground and vowed never to be silent again.
The Book Club @ JCC: Four Souls, by Louise Erdich, 2 p.m. November 12, JCC Potter Center Federer Rooms. Fleur Pillanger leaves her Ojibwa reservation on foot, setting off for Minneapolis set on revenge. She plans to find and kill lumber baron John Mauser, who has married several Indian women for their land, which he then stripped for its timber. She is hired on at his mansion as a laundress, but her plan suffers a setback when she learns that he is ill with a severe muscle disorder. She sets about curing him so that she can wreck him while he is in good condition, but in a bizarre twist, her relationship with Mauser takes a very different turn. Phone the Library at 517-796-8622 for more information.
"I Will Fight No More Forever," 1 p.m. November 17 & 18, JCC Potter Center Federer Rooms. As the federal government tightens its grip on the West, three bold spirits remain defiant: Sitting Bull, who prophesies his people's greatest victory but cannot prevent their ultimate defeat; Brigham Young, who must sacrifice a spiritual son to save his church; and Chief Joseph, who triumphs in defeat as an indomitable voice of conscience for the West. Phone the Library at 517-796-8622 for more information.
America's Great Indian Leaders, 6:30 p.m. November 15, JCC Potter Center Federer Rooms. In the late 19th century, four Native Americans emerged to protect their people and culture. Crazy Horse, "Sacred Warrior of the Lakota," refused to bring his people into submission. Chief Joseph, "Guardian of the Nez Perce," led his people on a 1,700-mile flight from the U.S. Army. Geronimo, "Brilliant Medicine Man of the Apaches," used his powers to vanish and reappear, confounding pursuers. Quanah Parker, "Last Chief of the Comanche" and son of a white woman, guided his people between two worlds, white and Indian. Phone the Library at 517-796-8622 for more information.
Genealogy @ JCC: So Your Grandmother was an Indian Princess? How to Find Native American Roots, 2 p.m. November 19, JCC Potter Center Federer Rooms. There are many unique challenges encountered when researching Native American (Indian) genealogy. Valuable records of federal government agencies, including records from various field offices of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, have been deposited throughout the United States. These records include lists relating to Indian removal, annuity pay rolls, and annual tribal census rolls of Indians who were under the Bureau's jurisdiction. Learn how to begin tracing your Native American roots during this free genealogy workshop. Phone the Library at 517-796-8622 to register for this workshop.
