Center comes full circle

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David Hubbard And Staff ReportersWeb Editor and Staff Reporters

The American Indian Education and Cultural Center, located in the former Telecommunications Center on Medary Avenue, has been decades in the making.

According to the American Indian Education and Cultural Center, a grand opening ceremony and an open house for the new center will be Nov. 5. The grand opening will begin at 4 p.m.; the open house is from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The facility’s purpose is to provide academic and cultural support to the 334 Native American students attending SDSU. It contains an art gallery and lounge area, a study room, a computer laboratory, wireless Internet access and faculty offices.

“The American Indian Education and Cultural Center on Medary Avenue (across from the SDSU Campanile) on the SDSU campus offers Native American students an “on-campus home” where they can find support, resources, fellowship and cultural activities,” said Ron McKinney, the Native American Student Adviser for SDSU’s Student Support Services.

In spite of the cultural diversity embraced by SDSU, McKinney said Native American students still feel isolated. For many, this will be their first time away from home and the college environment can be a culture shock. McKinney sees the opening of the center as a positive step in Native American relations at SDSU.

“It serves as a resource, not only for Native American students to connect culturally, but for the public and all SDSU students, faculty and staff to utilize for cultural and educational opportunities,” McKinney said.

The ceremony will feature remarks by President David Chicoine, a traditional Native American honor song, guest and student speakers, a prayer and a traditional Native American meal.

The menu will feature dried buffalo meat and dried corn soup, frybread, wojapi and corn wasna. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend.

#1.1743597:199484682.png:American Indian Education 11-03-2010 86:A tipi was erected in recognition of the new American Indian Education and Cultural Center located next to the SDSU Foundation building.:Collegian Photo by Ryan Robinson