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The American Indian Center for Excellence (AICE) and the Native American Student Association (NASA) at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College (NEO) are hosting Native Heritage Day on Friday, Nov. 16. Dinner will begin at 4:30 p.m. in Kah-Ne Hall. The program will include live painting with Bunky Echo-hawk at 5:30 p.m. and a Stomp Dance will follow at 7:00 p.m. All events are open to the public. Echo-Hawk is a multi-talented artist whose work spans both media and lifestyle. A graduate of the Institute of American Indian Arts, he is a fine artist, graphic designer, photographer, writer, and a non-profit professional. He is also a traditional singer and dancer. Throughout his career, Echo-Hawk has merged traditional values with his lifestyle and art. He has exhibited his work in major exhibitions throughout the United States and internationally in New York City, Chicago, Denver, Santa Fe, Germany, and Sweden. His poetry has been published in magazines and anthologies throughout the country, and his plays have been performed and produced across the nation. Echo-Hawk is also an advocate and an educator. He travels extensively, creating live works of art for auction. Through his art, Echo-Hawk has raised thousands of dollars for several national non-profit organizations. He has performed at numerous major venues throughout the United States. Additionally, he speaks at conferences, conducts workshops, and teaches both art and writing. In 2010, Echo-Hawk signed with Nike and is designing for the Nike N7 line. Echo-Hawk lives and works in Stillwater, Okla.

Prior to the painting session the community is invited to attend a Native American dinner starting at 4:30 p.m. in Kah-Ne Hall. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children and elders, with all proceeds going to NASA for student activities. Following Echo-hawk, there will be a Stomp Dance in the Calcagno Family Ballroom beginning at 7:0 0 p.m. All leaders, shell shakers, and dancers are welcomed to participate. All activities will be open to the public. NEO AICE, the Intertribal Council, NEO President’s Partners, NEO Student Affairs, and the Peoria Tribe are sponsoring the event. For more information, contact Hannah Berryman at hannah.berryman@neo.edu or 918-540-6785.