Share our Culture
The focus of this series of classes is on the education and preservation of American Indian history and culture. Please feel free to attend one or all of this series.
Unless otherwise noted, all activities take place in the Buffalo Room from 6-9 p.m.
Share our culture for 2012
January 11, 2012 Winter Movie Series: "The Lost Spirits"
This 2009 documentary film follows the lives of an American Indian family living in Queens, New York. In recent years, many conflicts have plagued their tribe and stirred up controversy within the town. It began with the removal of their family cemetery to build a road in the 1930’s. The artifacts and burial items mysteriously went missing. The acres of land they used to own was taken by the government for back taxes, and the remaining land is landlocked by the surrounding private owners. The Barron family, members of the Matinecock and Montaukett tribes, could never seem to get their voices heard. This film is to show people who they are, what happened in their lives, and the future of American Indians in Little Neck, New York.
January 25, 2012 Winter Movie Series: "Bury My Heart a Wounded Knee"
This HBO film inspired by Dee Brown's acclaimed bestseller begins powerfully with the Sioux triumph over General Custer at Little Big Horn. The action centers on the struggles of three characters: Charles Eastman (Adam Beach), a young, Dartmouth-educated Sioux doctor; Sitting Bull (August Schellenberg), the Lakota Chief who refuses to submit to U.S. government policies designed to strip his people of their identity, dignity and sacred land; and Senator Henry Dawes (Aidan Quinn), one of the men responsible for the government policy on Indian affairs. While Eastman and schoolteacher Elaine Goodale (Anna Paquin) work to improve life for the Sioux on the reservation, Senator Dawes lobbies President Grant for kinder Indian treatment.
February 8, 2011 Winter Movie Series: "Smoke Signals"
This 1998 film was written, directed, and co-produced by American Indians including Sherman Alexie and Chris Eyre. The story begins in 1976, when an infant survives a fire that kills his parents. In a flash forward to the present day, the infant has grown up to become the skinny, nerdy adult Thomas (Evan Adams). At Idaho's desolate Coeur d'Alene Indian reservation, the overeager youth is mostly ignored by others, including stoic athletic Victor Joseph (Adam Beach), even though it was Victor's father, Arnold Joseph (Gary Farmer), who saved the infant Thomas' life in the fire. A drunken Arnold later abandoned his family, and Victor hasn't seen his father in a decade. When Victor learns of Arnold's death in Phoenix, Thomas offers to pay for the trip to Phoenix if he can accompany Victor. They make an odd couple since Victor is embarrassed by Thomas' geekiness. In Phoenix, they find that Arnold lived in a small trailer in the desert, and they meet Arnold's friend Suzy Song (Irene Bedard), who provides disturbing truths about Arnold that have an impact on Victor
February 22, 2011 MAAIC Teacher Open House
We invite you to meet our teachers. Since 2010 the MAAIC has offered an array of American Indian cultural arts and crafts classes and workshops taught by local American Indian Artists who come from various tribal backgrounds and range in age from the very young and up and coming to some of our most respected elders. Come in and meet these wonderful individuals who graciously share their talents with us, and find about the many educational opportunities you can participate in at the MAAIC during 2012.
March 14, 2012 American Indian Hand Games
Imagine a world without the ever advancing fast pace imagery of the modern video game, or even its predecessor, the family board game. But what did children and families due before that? Come join us for a fun filled night of American Indian Hand Games where a few of our local community members will be discussing and demonstrating American Indian Hand Games from various tribes and regions across Indian country.
March 28, 2012 Arts & Crafts
On April 13 the Mid-America All-Indian Center will be having a discussion and demonstration on American Indian Arts and Crafts. This Share Our Culture is the official kick off to our 3rd annual powwow series which focuses on different aspects of the ceremony in preparation for our American Indian Festival to be held at Century 2 on July 14 & 15, 2012. Come join us for part one of this series as local artist form the Wichita Indian community share their artistic talents and experiences with us.
April 11, 2012 Drums
Part 2 of Share Our Culture Powwow Series will focus on American Indian Drums. The drum is the heart of many American Indian ceremonies, including the Powwow. This event will feature speakers from the local American Indian community who will be discussing the different aspects of the powwow drum and songs. With the added bonus of having Presenters from both northern and southern drums, participants will be able to gain a better understanding of not only the drum itself, but the differences between the two distinct musical styles from two different regions of the country.
April 25, 2012 Men’s Regalia
Part 3 of the Share Our Culture Powwow Series will focus on Men’s Regalia, which is the ceremonial clothing worn by male American Indian powwow dancers. One of our local Northern Traditional Dancer’s will give an in depth presentation and demonstration on the aspects and elements of his own personal regalia and dance style. A favorite from the last 2 years, this is one Share Our Culture you won’t want to miss!
May 9, 2012 Women’s Regalia
Part 4 of Share Our Culture Powwow Series will feature a presentation given by American Indian women from the local community who will discuss Women’s Regalia, the ceremonial clothing worn by female dancers. While the differences in Women’s Regalia are visibly noticeable at any powwow, it takes a careful listener to distinguish what dance style each represents. At this event attendees will have the chance to meet one on one with female dancers to gain a better understanding on what those differences are. We invite you to come out and participate in this rare opportunity for us to share with you the answers to many questions you may have had while watching a powwow, but never had the chance to ask.
May 23, 2012 Shawls
The Shawl is a vital part of American Indian Woman’s attire at ceremonial events, especially, when it comes to powwow’s. We invite you to attend part 5 of the Share Our Culture Powwow series. This event will feature the film “How to Make a Native American Dance Shawl”, which demonstrates the basic steps to shawl making, and gives a brief overview of the history of the Shawl and how it came to be part of American Indian traditions. Following the film local female American Indian artists will be on hand to discuss and display their shawls.
June 13, 2012 Powwow Dances
Join us at the MAAIC for part 6 of the Share Our Culture Powwow Series, featuring local American Indian elder Bob Pitzer who will lead a discussion accompanying the video “Native American Men's & Women's Dance Styles”. Attendees will get a unique lecture and video combo presentation from on of the most respected elders in our community. Bob shares his knowledge of powwow dance performance and history, giving guests one final chance to learn first hand what they will be witnessing at our American Indian Festival at Century II Convention Center on July 9 & 10, 2012.