Following the first event on Sept. 9, the Native American Success Academy (N.A.S.A) hosted its second hands-on paint and bead workshop on Sept. 16 in Forum 110.
The event was organized by Darlene Solorio, manager for N.A.S.A., and welcomed people of all backgrounds.
“People have this preconceived notion of what native people should look like… so we cater to a lot of different backgrounds and tribes to highlight awareness,” Solorio said.
Students and faculty were welcomed to paint with acrylics and make jewelry with locally sourced material and plastic beads.
While the participants in the event were engaged in painting and bead threading, there were also conversations between associate professor of Native American Studies, Nia Gregory, and some of her former students about what it means to be native and how to protect the culture.
“We have a responsibility to use our voice in protecting our own narrative… when you know your story, you’re responsible for sharing it.” Gregory said.
For many of the members of N.A.S.A., gift-giving is an opportunity to engage in cultural exchange between tribes.
“Our value isn’t material, it’s in our kin,“ Gregory said.
Although the event was a success, those in attendance expressed a need for more space to host N.A.S.A. events
“Sometimes I don’t even come in because there’s too many people and I don’t feel comfortable in crowded spaces,” said Angelica Magallanes, a former student of Gregory’s Intro to Native American Studies course.
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