November is Native American Heritage Month: Virtual Poster Competition

I would like to recognize the indigenous people of the beautiful ancestral land on which we are standing;. In Michigan we acknowledge the Anishinabee, Odawa (Ottawa), Botawanomi (Potawatomi), Peoria, Miami, the Ojibwe and all the others.  It is important to understand the long-standing history that has brought us to reside on the land, and to seek to understand our place within that history.

The first American Indian Day was celebrated in May 1916 in New York. The event culminated an effort by Red Fox James, a member of the Blackfeet Nation who rode across the nation on horseback seeking approval from 24 state governments to have a day to honor American Indians.  Join the National Museum of American History (Thursday, November 19, 2020, 11 – 11:30 AM)

 for an online exploration into key social studies topics, featuring museum resources from the Smithsonian.

The month is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native people. As the First Americans, Native Americans have helped shape the future of the United States through every turn of our history. National Native American Heritage Month is also an opportune time to educate the general public about tribes, to raise a general awareness about the unique challenges Native people have faced both historically and in the present, and the ways in which tribal citizens have worked to conquer these challenges. It is significant to note that Native Americans/Alaska Natives frequently contend with issues that prevent them from receiving quality medical care. These issues include cultural barriers, geographic isolation, inadequate sewage disposal, and low income.

We are pleased to present our virtual poster competition

Poster theme is “Our Land, Our Animals, Our People, We are One”

Submit one original piece poster

Include a brief written narrative about your inspiration

Artwork will be judged by IG vote, originality and portrayal of the heritage and culture of American Indians/Alaska Natives

Submit poster, narrative and contact information @detroitmercydental

IG poster judging session will be Wednesday, November 25, 2020.  Awards will be announced on Instagram @detroitmercydental on Monday, November 30, 2020.

posters and other supplies available upon request

DEADLINE FOR POSTER SUBMISSIONS IS November 24, 2020.

Award Opportunities

First Place: $200 gift card | 

Second Place: $100  gift card |

Third Place: $50  gift card |

Any questions should be directed to Melvin Lunkins at lunkinms@udmercy.edu/313-384-0020

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