Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Navajo Oral History Films Premiere at WSU

A group of people from Diné College of the Navajo Nation traveled to Winona, Minnesota, in early October to join their colleagues at Winona State University to premiere the documentary films students created this summer.

Dr. Miranda Haskie, professor of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Diné College, led the group which included Mitzie Begay, a Navajo elder that was featured in one of the films, and students: Trevor Foster, Lionel Harvey, Tashina Johnson, and Shawn Tsosie. Dr. Haskie's husband, Vernon, also came to Minnesota with the group. (Diné College student Jessica King was unable to travel to Winona for the reception.)

While at WSU, the Diné College students toured campus, did a mock newscast in the WSU MCOM TV Studio, and spoke to a journalism class.



The group also visited several tourist locations in the area, and enjoyed a boat ride on the Mississippi River.


Tom Grier, WSU professor of Mass Communication, and his wife, Julie, hosted the Diné College group and the WSU students who participated in the program at their house in Winona for a BBQ dinner.


The films were premiered at WSU on Thursday, Oct. 6. The four films that were created this summer were shown, then each student spoke briefly about their experience participating in the Navajo Oral History project.




Professor Miranda Haskie presented a piece of authentic Navajo pottery to WSU President Judith Ramaley.


On Friday morning, the Diné College group spent an hour visiting with President Judith Ramaley.


On Saturday, the Diné College group returned home to the Navajo Nation and prepared to host a reception on their campus.


This was the third year of the Navajo Oral History project, a unique collaboration between Diné College and Winona State University.

Plans are already underway for the fourth year of the project in June 2012.

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