With such large obstacles, Native American students who come from reservations or even urban areas find themselves at a crossroads upon entering
college.
“Some Native American students sometimes struggle with identity issues when they get here. They aren’t sure if they should identity with being Native
American or not identify with anything. While that is a personal choice, I feel that Native Americans should be made to feel comfortable in their own skin.”
Here on campus there are such programs like the American Indian Student Academic Services, and student groups like Wunk Sheek.
Wunk Sheek, a Native American group, focuses on providing a forum for Native American students to discuss their concerns. The organization is open to
all students and community members who want to get involved. The group works on educating the campus community about Native American cultures
through cultural, social, and educational events. Annis has been a member of Wunk Sheek since his freshman year.
Wunk Sheek holds multiple events on campus throughout the year including an annual Pow Wow that will be held March 28, 2009 at the Kohl Center.
These cultural events are a great way to celebrate and share Native American cultures.
Like other minority groups, Native Americans are concerned about the negative images being presented in mainstream society. One prominent
example is the use of Native American mascots, such as ‘The Washington Red Skins’.
“People need to realize that Native Americans are people too and when you mock someone by calling them ‘Redskins,’ you are mocking their culture,”
Annis said.
Recently Wunk Sheek held an event about Native American representations calling attention the damage these stereotypes have on society and how
people can get involve to change it. All of Wunk Sheek events are educational as well as informative.
“Our events are fun but at the same time they break down stereotypes and while we can talk all day about the negative, Wunk Sheek wants people to
learn and appreciate the positive aspects of Native American cultures.”
Although small in terms of numbers, Native American students are some of the most active when it comes to social, cultural, and educational activism.
In order to make sure that their unique concerns are being addressed, groups like Wunk Sheek have worked tirelessly to ensure success for all Native
American students attending the University.
For more information about Wunk Sheek, please contact Tim Annis annis@wisc.edu
college.
“Some Native American students sometimes struggle with identity issues when they get here. They aren’t sure if they should identity with being Native
American or not identify with anything. While that is a personal choice, I feel that Native Americans should be made to feel comfortable in their own skin.”
Here on campus there are such programs like the American Indian Student Academic Services, and student groups like Wunk Sheek.
Wunk Sheek, a Native American group, focuses on providing a forum for Native American students to discuss their concerns. The organization is open to
all students and community members who want to get involved. The group works on educating the campus community about Native American cultures
through cultural, social, and educational events. Annis has been a member of Wunk Sheek since his freshman year.
Wunk Sheek holds multiple events on campus throughout the year including an annual Pow Wow that will be held March 28, 2009 at the Kohl Center.
These cultural events are a great way to celebrate and share Native American cultures.
Like other minority groups, Native Americans are concerned about the negative images being presented in mainstream society. One prominent
example is the use of Native American mascots, such as ‘The Washington Red Skins’.
“People need to realize that Native Americans are people too and when you mock someone by calling them ‘Redskins,’ you are mocking their culture,”
Annis said.
Recently Wunk Sheek held an event about Native American representations calling attention the damage these stereotypes have on society and how
people can get involve to change it. All of Wunk Sheek events are educational as well as informative.
“Our events are fun but at the same time they break down stereotypes and while we can talk all day about the negative, Wunk Sheek wants people to
learn and appreciate the positive aspects of Native American cultures.”
Although small in terms of numbers, Native American students are some of the most active when it comes to social, cultural, and educational activism.
In order to make sure that their unique concerns are being addressed, groups like Wunk Sheek have worked tirelessly to ensure success for all Native
American students attending the University.
For more information about Wunk Sheek, please contact Tim Annis annis@wisc.edu
