We’ve all seen stereotypical media representations of Native Americans in Disney films and on covers of western novels. A new IU South Bend club seeks to dispel some of those myths, offering students some cultural education.
“Native Americans are very underrepresented,” said Charles Hatley, founder of the Native American Student Union. “I wanted to start a group that promoted inclusion.”
He got the idea after attending other universities and noticing the absence of Native American groups. .
“Most schools don’t have clubs for Native Americans,” said Hatley.
The club is currently working with the Band of Potawatomi in South Bend. They are encouraging education and community involvement.
A film series featuring Native Americans is an event the club is going to sponsor. “We want to raise awareness of Native Americans on campus,” said Hatley.
In addition to this event, the club plans to set up a booth to collect funds for Haiti.
“It is a good cause because 100% of the money goes directly to Haiti,” said Hatley. They are able to send all of the funds because they don’t have to pay administration fees like other organizations.
This club is for anyone, not just Native Americans. In the future the focus will be to expand the group’s size and become active participants in the community.
Meetings take place on Thursday’s online to work around everyone’s schedules. For more information contact Charles Hatley at cdhatley@iusb.edu.
Native American student union seeks to promote inclusion, education
Published: Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Updated: Tuesday, January 26, 2010
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