The Earth And Spirit Council, Natural Way Indigenous Voices presents: Ceremony And The Way Of The Comanche Nation: An evening with Professor Cornel Pewewardy

Professor Cornel Pewewardy is a traditional Comanche-Kiowa elder and Director of Indigenous Nations Studies at Portland State University. Growing up in
Southwestern Oklahoma, as a member of the Comanche Nation of Oklahoma, he
followed the collective talents of the artists and musicians in his extended
family. From this exposure, Cornel learned of his cultural ancestry and rich
tribal background at an early age. He will take us on a journey in the
traditional ways of his people by way of music, storytelling and an authentic
insight that is drawn from many years of his connection to his people, their
way of being and his heart.

Prior to joining PSU, Dr. Pewewardy was an Associate Professor in the Department of Teaching and Leadership and Center for Indigenous Nations Studies at the
University of Kansas, as well as adjunct faculty in American Indian Studies at
Haskell Indian Nations University. His scholarly activities have focused on
linguistic imperialism, critical pedagogy, multicultural education, and culture
and education of Indigenous Peoples.

A former kindergarten teacher and elementary principal on the Navajo reservation in New Mexico, Dr. Pewewardy is the founding principal of the American Indian Magnet Schools in St. Paul (MN) Public School District. For his architectural design of this award-winning, public magnet school, the National Indian Education Association selected him the 1991 National Indian Educator of the Year.

Dr. Pewewardy has several professional music recordings on Southern Plains music and with various artists. His musical awards include the 1997 Musician of the Year by the Wordcraft Circle of Native Writers and
Storytellers.

  Details about The Natural Way: Indigenous Voices speakers can be found on the Earth and Spirit Council website www.earthandspirit.org . Related websites of interest include http://www.pdx.edu/nas/nas-news
and http://www.hanksville.org/storytellers/pewe/.