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The University of New Mexico

NEWS RELEASE



Media Contact: Sari Krosinsky, (505) 277-1593, michal@unm.edu

April 10, 2007

UNM Nizhoni Days Celebrate Native American Heritage

Join the University of New Mexico’s celebration of Native American culture and heritage at the 52nd annual Nizhoni Days April 23-29.

The festivities open on Monday, April 23 with an all day Native American Film Makers Showcase beginning at 10 a.m. and the Miss Indian UNM pageant at 6 p.m. in Student Union building ballroom C. Other events include the Indigenous Nations Library Program lecture series featuring musician, activist and entrepreneur Tom Bee at noon and 3 p.m. on Tuesday, April 24; “Weaving Worlds” by Bennie Klain, a film premiere in SUB ballroom C at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 26; Native Xperience in SUB ballroom C at 6 p.m. on Friday, April 27; and the Sin Fronteras Film Festival.

Capping off the weeks’ events is the Nizhoni Days Honoring our Alumni Pow Wow on Johnson Field, starting at noon on Sunday, April 29.

All events are free and open to the public.

“Nizhoni Days is a celebration of Native thought and presence on and off the UNM campus and of Native American culture both traditional and contemporary,” said Kellen Shelendewa, president of UNM’s Kiva Club. “Nizhoni, a Diné (Navajo) word meaning beautiful, exemplifies what the week represents.”

Sponsored and organized by the Kiva Club since the 1950s, Nizhoni Days demonstrate the wealth of Native American achievements in the arts, activism, politics, academics and culture.

For more information contact kiva@unm.edu or 277-7236


The University of New Mexico is the state's largest university, serving more than 32,000 students. UNM is home to the state's only schools of law, medicine, pharmacy and architecture and operates New Mexico's only academic health center. UNM is noted for comprehensive undergraduate programs and research that benefits the state and the nation.

www.unm.edu