BE AWARE … 

GOURD CRAFTS AND DECORATIONS 

Gourds make very nice decorations after harvesting them in the Fall season. They are used by Native Americans and others to make crafts. The gourd is harvested and put in a dry storage area with good air circulation. It takes up to six months for a gourd to dry out and then be ready to use.

THE MEANING OF COLOR

It is amazing that colors have a meaning to various peoples and cultures. For Native Americans colors and their meaning or symbolism is based to a great degree on the tribal affiliation. The colors are used in clothing, flags, crafts, and even as body paint

DANCE SHAWLS 

Women participating in a Native American Pow Wow dance honor the dance, singers and the drum by wearing a dance shawl. The shawl is an essential garment for women. The shawl can be carried over one arm or draped over the shoulders. It is essential that the dance shawl is worn for entering the dance arena

HAIRSTYLES

Hairstyles that African Americans and Native Americans wear in common include braids. Both men and women wear braids. Braided hair is not only ethnic and cultural, but it has significant meaning. Hair is symbolic of power and a personal adornment.

THE MYTH OF RACE  AND SELF-IDENTIFICATION  

Since the 1940s scientists have placed disclaimers on the concept of race. In other words, scientists have indicated that to identify people by race is not possible. Why you may ask? Well, it is because the term race as an identifier has no biological basis. Race is a political construct. It has no biological or cultural foundation.