Free Programs Explore Impact, Cultures of Indigenous Peoples

10/04/2021

Contact for media: Nancy Cicco, 978-934-4944 or Nancy_Cicco@uml.edu

LOWELL, Mass. – UMass Lowell will celebrate the contributions of Indigenous and Native American peoples this fall with free, public events that share the rich histories and cultures of these communities. 

Led by UMass Lowell faculty experts, the programs expand on the university’s observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day on Monday, Oct. 11 and Native American Heritage Month in November. Events include:

• History Walk – Saturday, Oct. 9, 10 a.m. The walk will begin and end at the UMass Lowell Wilder Faculty Parking Lot, South Campus, 883 Broadway St., Lowell.

UMass Lowell History Profs. Christoph Strobel, author of “Native Americans on New England,” and Robert Forrant, an authority on the history of Lowell, will lead a public walking tour that showcases the city’s Native American past and present. Joining them will be Lowell National Historical Park Ranger Allison Horrocks and UMass Lowell students who will point out historical markers along the way and discuss the significant milestones and events related to local Indigenous peoples. 

Free parking will be available in the Wilder lot. Members of the public who would like more information or to register to attend should email Christoph_Strobel@uml.edu.

• Free public screening of the film “Dawnland” – Tuesday, Oct. 19, 5 p.m. O’Leary Library, Room 222, South Campus, 61 Wilder S., Lowell.

“Dawnland” examines the untold story of the removal of Indigenous children in the U.S. through the nation’s first-ever, government-endorsed truth and reconciliation commission, which investigated the impact of Maine’s child welfare practices on the Wabanaki people.

The film’s co-director, Alex Mazo, will answer questions from the audience after the film. Free parking will be available in the Wilder Lot across the street from the venue. Members of the public who would like more information or to register to attend should email Maia_GilAdi@uml.edu.

• Free public screening of the film “Songs My Brother Taught Me” – Tuesday, Nov. 2, 5 p.m., University Crossing, 220 Pawtucket St., Lowell. 

This coming-of-age tragedy is set in the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota and explores the bond between a Lakota Sioux brother and his younger sister. The film will be followed by a brief presentation by Lilian Mengesha, an expert in race and performance studies. Members of the public who would like more information or to register to attend should email Maia_GilAdi@uml.edu.

• Bilingualism: Then and Now – Wednesday, Dec. 1, 3:30 p.m. Coburn Hall, Room 255, South Campus, 850 Broadway St., Lowell

Jennifer Weston (Hunkpapa Lakota of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe), who directs the Wôpanâak Language Reclamation Project, will be among the languages experts leading this free, public discussion. Free parking will be available in the Wilder Lot across the street from the venue. Members of the public who would like more information or to register to attend should email Maia_GilAdi@uml.edu.

UMass Lowell is a national research university offering its students bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in business, education, engineering, fine arts, health, humanities, sciences and social sciences. UMass Lowell delivers high-quality educational programs and personal attention from leading faculty and staff, all of which prepare graduates to be leaders in their communities and around the globe. www.uml.edu