Last Friday, members of the University of Denver’s Native Student Alliance and the DUPB Diversity and Cultural Committee held an event to educate non-native student about their culture.

“Perspectives: A Look at Native American Culture” consisted of three parts. The first was a talk given by Professor Richard Clemmer-Smith of DU’s Anthropology Department. Clemmer-Smith addressed the history of the Ute Peoples in Colorado, and their dealings with the American government to the present day.

The second section was a reception at which traditional Ute food was served. The dishes included frybread with wojapi, cornbread with honey, succotash and hot apple cider. Along the walls there were exhibits of Native American jewelry, dresses and art. Traditional costumes hung on the walls and tribal music played over the speakers.

Members of the NSA performed Native American dances dressed in traditional clothing. Kristy Big Lake, who is a Crow Indian descendant, did a dance called the “Fancy Shaw” modeled after the movements of a butterfly. Cassandra Mae-Hacker, who is a Sioux Indian from the South Dakota region, told the story of and performed a dance in the jingle dress.