The University of Texas at Arlington
Office of Media Relations
American Indian Heritage Month Events Scheduled
News Release — 16 October 2007
Media contact: Sue Stevens, (817) 272-3317, sstevens@uta.edu
ARLINGTON–A showing of “Smoke Signals,” the 1998 winner of numerous awards at the Sundance Film Festival, Tokyo International Film Festival, San Diego World Film Festival and other competitions will kick off American Indian Heritage Month at The University of Texas at Arlington. The free showing is at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 12, in room 101, College Hall, 600 S. West St.
Set in Arizona, “Smoke Signals,” with a screen play by best-selling author Sherman Alexie, is the story of two Indian boys on a journey. Victor (Adam Beach) is the stoic, handsome son of an alcoholic father who has abandoned his family. Thomas (Evan Adams) is a gregarious, goofy young man who lost both his parents in a fire at a very young age. Through storytelling, Thomas makes every effort to connect with the people around him; Victor, in contrast, uses his quiet countenance to gain strength and confidence. When Victor's estranged father dies, the two men embark on an adventure to Phoenix to collect the ashes. Along the way, “Smoke Signals” illustrates the ties that bind these two very different young men and embraces the lessons they learn from one another.
The celebration, sponsored by the Native American Students Association, continues at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 14, in the same room with an interactive lecture/presentation “This Is Not a Costume: American Indian Regalia.” Area dancers will discuss the tribal, family and personal meanings of their regalia.The event is free and a hand-crafted flute made by the Native American Student Association’s Elder, Eugene Brown, will be given as a door prize.
Contact Rene Rodriguez at renegoldeneagle@yahoo.com or (214) 566-8496 or Elijah Wahkinney at n8ve_421_03@yahoo.com or (214) 448-2948 for more information. Dr. Kenneth Roemer, advisor to the Native American Students Association, can be reached at (817) 272-2729.
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