Program specializes in Native American culture
Justin Sherwood
Issue date: 10/23/06 Section: Features
Hidden away in the maze commonly referred to as the SSB is the office of the Native American Support Program (NASP). Inside, you will find Rita Hodge, the Program Director, and the Program Counselor Andrea Barnwell. These two women are in the office to provide a large variety of programs and services to any student interested in Native American culture and heritage.
The NASP is an invaluable resource for any Native American UIC student. The program offers financial aid, scholarships, genealogy searches, leadership and professional development to all students, free of charge. These resources are available to any student who self-identifies as Native American. Whereas many tribal organizations can assist only those students who are officially registered as tribe members, the NASP has an open-door policy that welcomes all students, regardless of their tribal affiliation.
The NASP also offers many resources for non-natives, including access to their Student Resource Center. The resource center is home to a collection of books and films on various Native American topics, available to anyone who enters the office. Aside from the small library, the center also offers a quiet study area and computer access.
Housed in the NASP office is the Native American Student Organization, which is now in the process of becoming an officially recognized student organization.
"The Native American Student Organization is here to provide cultural and educational opportunities to the UIC community, and to improve communication and outreach to Native American students at UIC," said Andrea Barnwell, the staff advisor. Having been recently re-established, this organization is excitedly looking for new members, as well as ideas on how to develop and provide more activities that serve UIC and the surrounding community.
Two of NASP's biggest events of the year are fast approaching; On Nov. 8 and 10, they will be holding a traditional Powwow in the Illinois room, located in SCE. This event is free and open to the public, and is a great opportunity to experience the friendly and welcoming environment provided by the NASP. Traditional dances will be performed as part of the Powwow, and arts and crafts vendors will be present. Additionally, fried bread and many other exciting Native American foods will be served.
The NASP is an invaluable resource for any Native American UIC student. The program offers financial aid, scholarships, genealogy searches, leadership and professional development to all students, free of charge. These resources are available to any student who self-identifies as Native American. Whereas many tribal organizations can assist only those students who are officially registered as tribe members, the NASP has an open-door policy that welcomes all students, regardless of their tribal affiliation.
The NASP also offers many resources for non-natives, including access to their Student Resource Center. The resource center is home to a collection of books and films on various Native American topics, available to anyone who enters the office. Aside from the small library, the center also offers a quiet study area and computer access.
Housed in the NASP office is the Native American Student Organization, which is now in the process of becoming an officially recognized student organization.
"The Native American Student Organization is here to provide cultural and educational opportunities to the UIC community, and to improve communication and outreach to Native American students at UIC," said Andrea Barnwell, the staff advisor. Having been recently re-established, this organization is excitedly looking for new members, as well as ideas on how to develop and provide more activities that serve UIC and the surrounding community.
Two of NASP's biggest events of the year are fast approaching; On Nov. 8 and 10, they will be holding a traditional Powwow in the Illinois room, located in SCE. This event is free and open to the public, and is a great opportunity to experience the friendly and welcoming environment provided by the NASP. Traditional dances will be performed as part of the Powwow, and arts and crafts vendors will be present. Additionally, fried bread and many other exciting Native American foods will be served.
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