Celebration of Resilience Indigenous Cultural Festival
The Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion cordially invites you to the inaugural Indigenous Cultural Competency Program’s Inclusive Cultural Experience Initiative in celebration of Native American Heritage Month.
This hybrid, interagency event will offer an educational experience highlighting Indigenous traditions, food, music, and dance. This event will feature distinguished speakers from various federal agencies, present an Indigenous cultural exhibition from a Tribal dance troupe, and honor leaders from Tribal nations and entities. The event will provide attendees with Indigenous community engagement activities and educate participants by providing culturally relevant information.
This event is in two locations at the NIH Clinical Center, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892. The main presentation is in the Masur Auditorium from 10 a.m.-1:10 p.m. EST, and the Indigenous Cuisine event is at the Foundation for Advanced Education in the Sciences terrace from 1:15 p.m.-2:30 p.m. EST.
Kenneth Shirley, Founder and CEO of Indigenous Enterprise, LLC
In addition to his role at Indigenous Enterprise, Mr. Shirley is a filmmaker. Indigenous Enterprise is an entertainment company dedicated to amplifying Indigenous voices and promoting cultural awareness. Mr. Shirley holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Arizona State University and is a leading force in the film industry. He is dedicated to advancing the company's mission of promoting Indigenous culture and traditions through dynamic and innovative entertainment.
Brian Luce, Ph.D., Associate Director and Professor of Flute Performance Program at the School of Music at the University of Arizona and Yamaha Performing Artist
Dr. Luce is a flutist for the Arizona Wind Quintet and Luce-Caliendo Duo. He performs as principal flute for orchestras and is a soloist and chamber musician with many ensembles. Dr. Luce performs at countless prominent music festivals. He is an accomplished prizewinner of the National Flute Association, Texas Flute Society, Mid-South Flute Association, and Kingsville international young artist competitions. Dr. Luce is an Arizona Akimel O'odham native and avid outdoorsman.
Kyle T. Mays, Ph.D., Professor of African American Studies, American Indian Studies, and History, University of California, Los Angeles
Dr. Mays is an African American and Indigenous (Saginaw Chippewa) scholar and writer. He teaches courses on African American and Indigenous history, popular culture, and urban studies. He works with students interested in comparative race and indigeneity, popular and expressDr. Mays is an African American and Indigenous (Saginaw Chippewa) scholar and writer. He teaches courses on African American and Indigenous history, popular culture, and urban studies. He works with students interested in comparative race and indigeneity, popular and expressive culture, and urban histories and contemporary experiences in the city. In 2024, Dr. Mays was designated a Fulbright Distinguished Scholar at the University of Edinburgh. He is the author of four books and is currently finishing a fifth book.
Individuals who need American Sign Language Interpreting (basic and scientific), communication access real-time transcription services, and/or reasonable accommodations to participate in this event should contact Clarissa Alexander at clarissa.alexander@nih.gov or call 301-496-6301. Requests should be made at least five business days before the date of the event.
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