HUB Grantee Wanda Frenchmen is organizing a series of upcoming events featuring keynote speakers that address subjects of interest to Indigenous communities. Their first event will be held on August 15 at the Phoenix Indian School, which used to be one of the biggest Indian boarding schools in the nation and carries cultural significance for Indigenous peoples.
Their keynote speaker, Prairie Rose Seminole, will explore the questions: Can I be Indigenous and Christian? Exploring Christ and Culture. Seminole is an educator, culture bearer and storyteller. She has been a part of efforts, institutions, and organizations that have seeded, supported, and strengthened public history, cultural heritage, civic education, and community engagement on local, state, and national levels.
Each event in the series will begin with a traditional drum opening and singing to honor the land as well as a Christian blessing. Two more events in this series are planned for October (The Benefits of Positive Christianity on Indigenous People) and November (Self-determination and Christianity as a Resource to Indigenous People).