Forum to focus on First Nations, Plan 2008

The story of human occupation along the southern shores of Lake Mendota began more than 12,000 years ago, around the time the last glaciers retreated from this area. “DeJope,” or “Four Lakes” in the Ho-Chunk language, remains Ho-Chunk ancestral homeland.

To honor that legacy, the culture and experiences of the First Nations community will be the focus of the ninth annual Campus Diversity Forum.

The free event will be held from held from 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 23, at Memorial Union, 800 Langdon St.

Students, faculty, staff and community members are invited to learn more about American Indian nations in an all-day cultural experience featuring American Indian drum and songs, PBS documentary “Way of the Warrior,” a UW–Madison video on American Indian Cultural Landscapes on campus, a Ho-Chunk dwelling on Bascom Hill and art and food.

In addition to the First Nations presentations, the theme of the event, “Beyond Plans and Promises: Active Leadership for the Future,” will give participants an opportunity to review the university’s progress and share new ideas for enhancing diversity at UW–Madison.

The event will also introduce three new campus leaders who expect to play a role in diversity and climate issues.

Damon Williams, the new vice provost for diversity and climate, will take part in the discussions with a lunch address and in a breakout session on inclusive excellence.

The day will end with closing remarks by Chancellor Carolyn “Biddy” Martin and Steve Stern, the new vice provost for faculty and staff.

In addition, keynote speaker Eduardo Bonilla-Silva will talk about “Racism, Discrimination, Colorblindness and the Diversity Puzzle at Historically White Colleges and Universities.” Bonilla-Silva is a sociology professor at Duke University and a UW–Madison alumnus. He recently wrote “White Logic, White Methods: Racism and Social Science.”

Registration is required to receive a free lunch. 

For additional information and accommodations, contact Paula Gates at (608) 265-5228 or gates@bascom.wisc.edu.