Cultural Thursday webinar set

As a precursor to Native American Heritage Month, Central Lakes College’s Office of Equity and Inclusion and the Cultural Thursdays Program will host a free Zoom webinar with Kevin Belin, a Navajo language teacher at the International Baccalaureate Navajo Preparatory School in Farmington, New Mexico.

The webinar will be noon to 1 p.m. Oct. 1. People are asked to register at https://tinyurl.com/y2fvd48v for access information to this webinar.

“This presentation will be an introduction into the topic of Navajo philosophy and the

pedagogy of our Navajo People,” Belin stated in a news release. “The Navajo critical thought process is complex and has been in use from time immemorial through ceremony. The pedagogy of the Navajo critical thought process embodies two separate but harmonious concepts: the blessing way and protection way are two ceremonies which represent the feminine and masculine mentalities and are approaches to confronting and overcoming our monsters.”

In addition to his work at the Navajo Preparatory School, Belin is owner of Hashké – Hozhó Design and Collaborative, in addition to serving as an adjunct instructor with Diné College in the Navajo Cultural Arts Program. Belin has been in the education field for nearly a decade, working with fellow teachers, consultants and language instructors to perpetuate the Navajo language and culture through curriculum building, training and presentations. Throughout the year, Belin is consulted to work with youths and demonstrate hands-on workshops in historical and cultural knowledge.

“I don’t consider myself an expert, but I am the bridge that connects the knowledge banks that are our elders to the young and discouraged learners with modern approaches to language learning and scaffolded instruction to understanding the complex concepts of Sa’ah Naaghei Bik’eh Hozho,” Belin stated.

Belin has been featured on Native America Calling, American Indian Republic, 21st Century Native Leaders podcast and Indian Country Today as a cultural representative and is a Billy Mills’ Running Strong Dreamstarter.

Register in advance for this free webinar at https://tinyurl.com/y2fvd48v . After registering, people will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. For more information on this or other Cultural Thursday presentations, contact Tracey Kloeckl-Jiménez at 218-855-8183.

Community Canvas Exhibit on display

AITKIN — The latest exhibit at the Jaques Art Center in Aitkin is the Community Canvas Exhibit.

The exhibit features 200 canvases that were handed out free to everyone and anyone in the region who desired to paint, apply, sculpt, or limn their own images and feelings. Truly democratic, there is no age limit or requirement other than a wish to participate and have a person’s own contribution included with their neighbor's and friend's imaginative offerings.

The whole community benefits, just as the whole community contributes, a news release stated. “Young children experience the thrill of seeing their paintings up on a museum wall for the world to admire; experienced artists know their sophisticated skills stand out all the more; and those of us in the middle have the satisfaction of knowing we've done our part in keeping the arts community's value alive in the greater society,” the news release stated.

The Community Canvas Show may be viewed 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturdays through Oct. 24 at the Jaques Art Center.

Admission is always free. Call 218-927-2363 or visit Jaquesart.com for additional information.