October 11 is Indigenous Peoples’ Day, CHUE and our friends in Global Indigenous Forum and Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion teamed up to bring a special night of events.

Here’s a rundown: 

5:00 pm: Screening of First Language: The Race to Save Cherokee

The evening starts at 5pm EST with a screening of the beautiful First Language: The Race to Save Cherokee - the award winning documentary film that observes the extraordinary steps taken by the Eastern Band of Cherokee to preserve Cherokee language. 

Official description: The Cherokee Indians were once the dominant power in what is now the Southeastern United States. This Emmy award winning film follows this Cherokee community as it comes to terms with a heritage that predates the United States by thousands of years. English and Cherokee with English subtitles. 

6:00 pm: Discussion with Expert Panel 

Then we’ve assembled an amazing panel of experts and activists to discuss the film and the many issues it raises. Featuring: Benjamin Frey  Professor of American Studies at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, María-Luisa Veisaga, Director of the Andean Studies Program at Florida International University, and Walt Wolfram, renowned linguist and producer of First Language. Hosted by Rev. Houston Cypress, artist, poet, and environmental activist (Otter Clan, Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida; Twitter: @OtterCypress)

6:45 pm: Interview with rapper AWICH

Mitzi Carter, Director of FIU’s Global Indigenous Forum, interviews rap sensation Awich about brining Okinawan language and culture to the world stage through hip hop. 

Watch via Zoom this coming Monday at 5pm EST / 2pm PT by clicking here: HTTPS://GO.FIU.EDU/INDIGENOUSPEOPLESDAY2021 

Join us for this special evening of events in honor of Indigenous Peoples’ Day.