On Tuesday, April 26 at 7:00 p.m., we offer a free film screening of Edge of America and an animated short by Julian Lang at the Arcata Theatre Lounge, located at 1036 G Street in Arcata. Produced and directed by Chris Eyre, a member of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, Edge of America is inspired by the true story of a girls’ basketball team who learn the importance of dedication and discipline, while dealing with cross-cultural communication and the value of community and commitment. Local Native Julian Lang; an artist, poet, musician, writer and member of the Karuk Tribe, is publicly screening his newest animation at this event.
On Wednesday, April 27, poetry readings by Linda Noel and Stephen Meadows will inspire listeners at 6:30 p.m. in Humboldt State University’s Native Forum, located in the Behavioral & Social Sciences Building on Union Street near 17th Street in Arcata. Linda Noel is a Native Californian of the Koyungkowi Tribe who grew up in Willits. The former Poet Laureate of Ukiah has presented her work at various venues across the western United States. Ohlone Indian and author, Stephen Meadows, new book of poetry Releasing the Day will be available in bookstores this May. Both poets work has been published in a variety of magazines, journals and anthologies including; The Dirt is Red Here, by Heyday Books.
On Thursday, April 28, Frankly Speaking, an event celebrating Native artists with L. Frank Manriquez (Tongva/Ajachmem), George Blake (Yurok/Hupa), and Brian Tripp (Karuk) begins at 6:30 p.m. in Humboldt State University’s Native Forum, located in the Behavioral & Social Sciences Building. These artists come together to discuss their individual works, art practice and the ways in which they help share their cultural knowledge and experiences through art.
On Friday, April 29, at 8 p.m. in HSU’s Gist Hall Theater performance artist James Luna presents Native Stories: Basically Factual, where he combines and refines some selected monologue and conceptual performance pieces from his vast repertoire with new stories. His intent is for the audience to become familiar with his Pooyukitchum (Luiseno) peoples, whose territory encompassed North County San Diego and what “it is” in contemporary Native cultures. Luna will take you on a nostalgic visit to his grandparent’s kitchen where tribal knowledge and family values came alive during the early summer canning of fruits and vegetables. He will be inviting you to understand some very basic concepts of Indian ceremony and dance in “We Become Them”. The finale of the performance will be a ride to heaven and hell upon Luna’s War Pony. Given Luna’s mood you might want to prepare for an exhilarating roller coaster ride of emotions, thoughts and insightful stories and visual moments. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. in Gist Hall Theater located on Laurel Drive at the end of B Street in Arcata.
These free events are funded and supported by the HSU Art Department, HSU Center for Community Indian Development, United Indian Health Services, Native Cultures Fund, HSU instructionally Related Activities Fees, HSU Native American Alumni Association, HSU Office of Diversity and Inclusion, La Dolce Video, and both Poets & Writers Inc. and California Exhibition Resources Alliance through grants received by James Irvine Foundation.
For on campus events parking is available at meters; single day permits are available for $3.50 at parking kiosks. The Native American Arts Gallery is located on the ground floor of the Behavioral & Social Sciences Building located on Union Street near 17th Street. Gallery hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday from 12-5 p.m., Thursday 12-7 p.m. and Saturday 10-2 p.m. For more information about the exhibit or events please contact the gallery office at (707) 826-5814 or the HSU’s Center for Indian Community Development at (707) 826-3711.