2008 Programs and Events
Native American Heritage Month Recognized in Latvia
Throughout the month of November, The United States Embassy in Latvia is organizing several events to introduce the cultural heritage of Native Americans to the Latvian public. Historically Americans have designated the month of November to recognizing of the significant contributions the first Americans made to the establishment and growth of the United States.
On Wednesday, November 26, U.S. Ambassador to Latvia, Charles Larson, opens a poster show “Visions of Native Americans” at the National Library. The show features photos taken by the well-known American photographer, Edward Curtis (1868-1952). Larson will also donate a book collection including books on the history of native tribes, an anthology of Native American literature, books of fiction and prose, Native American art and culture. The exhibit will be on show at the National Library until January 6.
During the week of November 24th, two Native American students, Nolan Black Eagle Eskeets and April Kateri Chavez, and Timothy P. McLaughlin, Director of the Writing Center and the Spoken Word Club at Santa Fe Indian School in New Mexico will visit Latvia. The group will visit schools throughout Latvia to discuss issues and challenges facing young Native Americans today.
The students will perform poetry and share their experiences at a Slam Poetry Night event at Andrejsala on November 26. The poetry night is organized in cooperation with the Association of Latvian – Russian poets ‘Orbita’ with a participation of Latvian slam poet Zorzs Ualliks.
U.S. Embassy, Riga, Public Affairs Section
Smilšu iela 7
Phone: 371 6750-9022
Internet: riga.usembassy.gov
Media specialist’s e-mail: dilanes@state.gov