In honor of Native American Heritage Month, a time to recognize the past and present contributions of Indigenous peoples, the Vincennes University Humanities Film and Lecture Series, VU Office of Global Diversity and Inclusion, and Wabash Valley Progressives are hosting a film screening on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at Vincennes University. The event will take place at 6 p.m. in the Shircliff Humanity Center’s Auditorium.

The featured documentary, Women of the White Buffalo, spotlights nine women from the Lakota tribe in South Dakota. They share personal stories of challenges such as cultural loss and poverty. Jen Holscher of Wabash Valley Progressives explained that the film addresses several important themes.

“Things like losing their language, losing some of their culture, even losing their children, and the ways that they cope with it and the ways that they’re working to bring hope for future generations,” Holscher said. “One of the things they believe in is providing for the next seven generations to come. So, it’s a hopeful story, even though it does touch on some really difficult issues that face that nation.”

Holscher also highlighted ongoing projects at Minooteeni Park, a newly dedicated Native American tribute at the northern end of the Vincennes Riverwalk. The group plans to add interpretive signage and colorful Native American “ribbon work” designs to the park next year. Winter preparations are underway, but significant new additions, including nature-themed playground equipment, are expected by spring.