Kansas State University

MANHATTAN -- Kansas State University's Native American Student Association will sponsor several activities in April to celebrate Native American culture.

The Native American Student Association, first called the Native American Student Body, has been active on campus since the 1970s. It is a support group for Native American students at the university who are far away from their tribal ties. The association was formed to give them a sense of community.

"We promote diversity in the K-State community through interaction with Native American students and by bringing in cultural events where the community can be exposed to Native American artists and issues," said Georgia Perez, adviser to the student organization.

The organization is open to all Kansas State University students. Its membership features students registered with a tribe or nation, students who are not registered but who have a link to a tribe or nation, and students interested in Native American issues and culture.

Current officers are: Laura Erbe, sophomore in animal sciences and industry, Altoona, treasurer; Cathy Pearl, sophomore in early childhood development, Manhattan, secretary and member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation; Keith Randolph, senior in social sciences, Manhattan, webmaster and member of the Seminole Nation; and Brandy Tholstrup, senior in athletic training, Wichita, president and member of the Creek Nation.

The organization is active in the community. During February, members worked with the Manhattan-Ogden school district, USD 383, to register Native American students as mentors. In March, members did Native American crafting and brainstormed fundraisers for the group.

April activities, all free and open to the public, include:

* A showing of the film "For the Next 7 Generations" will be at 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 1, in Forum Hall at the K-State Student Union. The showing is co-sponsored with the university's American ethnic studies program and departments of English and women's studies, along with the Flint Hills Wisdom Keepers. The award-winning film looks at a coalition formed by three Native American grandmothers and 10 grandmothers from across the world, including India, Nepal, Mexico and Africa.

* The ONEIDA tribal dancers from Wisconsin will perform from noon to 1 p.m., Wednesday, April 10, on Bosco Plaza outside of the Union. The performance is co-sponsored with the Union Program Council. The Native American Student Association also will have an information table/fundraiser at the event.

* The Native American Student Association will take part in the All-University Open House from 9 a.m. to 3 pm. Saturday, April 20. The group will have an information table, fundraiser and crafting demonstrations north of the K-State Student Union on the lawn.

More information about the Native American Student Association is available at http://www.k-state.edu/nasa.