Slow, methodic drum beats echoed off the walls of the Union Atchafalaya Room Wednesday during the Native American Student Association’s Heritage Day celebration.
NASA invited the nine recognized Louisiana Native American tribes to participate in the celebration featuring Native American crafts, dances and culture.
“LSU stresses diversity,” said Jamie Billiot, an elementary education senior and president of NASA. “When a minority on campus goes unnoticed, it’s important for students to learn about them. Not all Native Americans are the same.”
Billiot said the main purpose of the celebration was to increase interest and awareness of the Native Americans on campus.
There were many activities to participate in during the daylong festival.
Bill Archambeault, a professor and criminologist in the social work department who teaches a course on Native-American crime and justice, demonstrated how many tribes use the sacred, traditional pipe.
The festival also highlighted many Native American crafts, such as traditional Native-American dress, dream catchers and bead work.
Archambeault said it is important students know Native Americans exist on campus.
“We try to reinforce the issues that affect Native Americans,” Archambeault said. “We are dedicated to Louisiana Native Americans.”
The celebration had representatives from the Fourwind Cherokee, the Choctaw Apache, the Coushatta and the Houma tribes.
“I think it was interesting because it reinforces your world view,” said Jayme Richards, a nursing freshman. “There is so much more out there than we realize.”
Those helping to put on the day’s events then gave a demonstration of the celebratory pow wow dance and gave descriptions of their ceremonial regalia.
The room became filled with the sounds of ancient drum beats and worshipful lyrics of Native-American music.
“The dances are performed to celebrate different events in Native-American life,” Billiot said.
The ceremonies wrapped up with those in attendance asking questions to the Native Americans present.