St. Clair County Community College will present a Celebration of Native American History and Culture on Tuesday, April 6.

The daylong event will examine the rich tradition and history of Native Americans who inhabit the Blue Water Area. The symposium also will focus on current cultural, economic and environmental issues affecting Native Americans. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.

All events are free and in the Fine Arts Theatre on the college’s Port Huron campus. In addition to numerous presentations, Native American artwork and exhibits will be on display all day.

The event is presented by the college’s International Cultural Education Committee and Diversity Advisory Council, and the St. Clair County Regional Educational Service Agency.

• 9 a.m. — “Local History and Culture.” David Plain, an author from the Aamjiwnaang First Nation in Sarnia, will present information from his two historical books, The Plains of Aamjiwnaang and Ways of Our Grandfathers: Our Traditions and Culture.
• 10:30 a.m. — “Women’s Critical Issues in Work and Life.” Maria Short and social worker Joyell Nezich will explore the positive and negative experiences of living as a native woman.
• 1 p.m. — “Protecting Our Environment; Air and Water.” Ron Plain, project manager for Ontario Environment Defense, will discuss his work protecting air and water quality in the Blue Water Area.
• 2:15 p.m. — “A Way of Life for Native People.” Mike Plain, an elder of the Aamjiwnaang First Nation in Sarnia, will share his experiences living in the tribe and assimilating to current times.
• 4 p.m. — “Tribal Government and Business.” Eric Trevan, director of planning and development/president of the Anishabe Companies, will discuss the day to day business of managing and running a tribal government.
• 7 p.m. — “Storytelling, Demonstrations and Artifacts.” Joan and Joe Jacobs, who are of Ojibwa descent, will discuss the rich cultural history of storytelling among Native Americans.
• 7:30 p.m. — “Drumming and Singing.” The Weengushk Singing Group and Niizh Dodem Dance Troupe will perform. The Weengushk Singing Group is from the Aamjiwnaang First Nation and performs around Canada and the United States. The Niizh Dodem Dance Troupe is a group of First Nation youth.

For details, contact Paul Schmitt at (810) 989-5573 or pjschmitt@sc4.edu.