Although the Native American population has decreased over the years, the Native American culture is still alive on campus due to the Native American Unity Council.

The council was created like many other clubs, in order to support and educate others about their culture. The council was founded in 2002 on the premise of developing a support mechanism for Native American students here at the University, as well as all other students and community members in Northwest Ohio.

Two advisors for the council are Lynda Dixon and Juan Enriquez.

“There are no restrictions on who can join this group, it’s for everyone,” Dixon said. “It’s for anyone interested in the history of Native Americans; basically it’s for people who have any interest in the Native American culture and to hear about the atrocities the American Indians faced and still struggle with today.”

Senior Matt Adams has been a member of the council for three years and is the current secretary.

“We focus more on contemporary issues dealing with Native Americans and their lives today, as well as learning about their culture,” he said.

The council holds an annual NAUC Educational Forum intentionally right before Thanksgiving. The purpose of the forum is to bring in guest speakers, who are Native American, to speak about their history and culture. Some events that take part during this education seminar include: storytelling, singing and spirit dancing, and also quillwork demonstrations.

“The NAUC event isn’t a pow-wow, some drum and dancing is a part of it, but it’s more of an educational forum,” Enriquez said. “We put together meetings in a circle with everyone having equal say, even despite having officers, everyone is equal.”

The Office of Multicultural Affairs has supported the council from the start not only financially but educationally as well. In fall 2008, the council won the Multicultural Program of the Year Award.

“It’s a small group, but they put together a heck of a group,” Enriquez said.