CONTACTS:
• Sue Peabody, History Department, 360-546-9647, speabody@vancouver.wsu.edu
• Brenda Alling, Office of Marketing and Communications, 360-546-9601, brenda_alling@vancouver.wsu.edu
VANCOUVER, Wash. - Historical fiction, Native American history, the culture of the Oglala Lakota Sioux, and contemporary music will converge at a signature event hosted by Washington State University Vancouver March 22-26. The week-long, multidisciplinary symposium begins with four lectures and concludes with a concert. The foundation for all of the events is James Welch's award-winning novel, "The Heartsong of Charging Elk."
The lectures will be held at 7 p.m. March 22-25 on campus in the Administration building. The concert will be held at 7:30 p.m. March 26 at Vancouver School of Arts and Academics. All events are free and open to the public, and there is no charge for parking.
The symposium explores the themes of displacement, intercultural collision and accommodation in Welch's last novel about Lakota warriors transported to France in the late 19th century by "Buffalo Bill's Wild West" show as players of themselves. The five days in March also celebrate the work of the late Blackfeet/Gros Ventre author himself, one of the most important Northwest writers of the 20th century.
The week begins with a four-night lecture series that includes talks by noted Plains Indian anthropologist and linguist and editor of "Black Elk Speaks," Raymond J. DeMallie; historian of the American West and author of "Buffalo Bill's America," Louis S. Warren; Native American Studies Professor and author of the forthcoming "'Killed Beyond Recognition:' The Writings of James Welch," Kathryn W. Shanley (Assiniboine-Sioux); and a conversation about the novel with Lois Welch, Professor Emerita of English, research collaborator and life partner of the late author.
The week concludes with an original musical performance of "The Heartsong of Charging Elk" for four voices and a 10-piece chamber ensemble by internationally acclaimed Seattle composer and musician Wayne Horvitz, composer/songwriter Robin Holcomb and Pulitzer finalist, writer/director Rinde Eckert. Learn more at .
To accompany the spring symposium, 91³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø will offer a variety of programs and events open to the public, including an exhibit of rare books by James Welch and William Cody, photographs by Edward Curtis, and artifacts from "Buffalo Bill's Wild West" show. The exhibit can be seen at the WSU Library during March and April. Learn more by visiting .
91³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø is located at 14204 NE Salmon Creek Avenue, Vancouver WA 98686. The Vancouver School of Arts and Academics is located at 3101 Main Street, Vancouver, Washington 98663 (parking accessible via F Street and E. 31st Street).
For more information, including directions, visit or contact Sue Peabody, professor and associate chair of history, 91³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø, 360-546-9647 or speabody@vancouver.wsu.edu.
The "The Heartsong of Charging Elk" is sponsored by Alphagraphics, the Heathman Hotel, Humanities Washington, The Associated Students of Washington State University Vancouver, and 91³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø's Office of Academic Affairs, Chancellor's Office, College of Liberal Arts and the Diversity Council.
91³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø is celebrating 20 years of bringing quality education, research and service to the citizens of Southwest Washington. The campus is located at 14204 NE Salmon Creek Ave., east of the 134th Street exit from either I-5 or I-205, or via C-Tran bus service. 91³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø offers 16 bachelor's degrees, 10 master's degrees, one doctorate degree and more than 36 fields of study. Learn more at .
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