American Indian College Fund to Honor Denver Native Elders at Thirteenth Annual Holiday Dinner
November 25, 2013
The Denver-based American Indian College Fund (the College Fund), partnering with University of Denver’s Center for Multicultural Excellence, will honor Denver-area Native elders at a holiday dinner on Tuesday, December 3 at The Cable Center at the University of Denver, 2000 Buchtel Boulevard, Denver, Colorado, 80210. The dinner commences at 5:30 p.m. The event is free and open to American Indians age 55 and older. For directions, please visit www.cablecenter.org.
The dinner includes a traditional feast of buffalo, a visit from an Indian Santa Claus who distributes hams and gifts, and entertainment. Elders will be served by younger members of the community as a sign of respect.
Dr. James Moran will welcome elders to the University of Denver. American Indian College Fund staff, local community members, University of Denver students, alumni, faculty, and staff will escort elders to and from their cars, serve meals, and distribute gift bags and hams.
Dorothy Brave Eagle, an enrolled member of the Oglala Lakota tribe, will be honored as Elder of the Year at the event for her leadership in the Denver Native community. Brave Eagle has lived in Denver for the past 20 years. She has been involved with the Denver Indian Center, adult and workforce education, and community organizing. She was also a traditional dancer, speaks her Native language, and is known for her art, beadwork, and quillwork.
Event sponsors include Apricot Halves Flower Shop, Costco, Exodus Moving & Storage, IMA Inc., InterTribal Buffalo Council, Marsha Whiting, Native American Fish & Wildlife Society, Native American Rights Fund, Starbucks Coffee Company, Tocabe – An American Indian Eatery, University of Denver Center for Multicultural Excellence, University of Denver Alumni of Action Programs, Ute Mountain Casino, Walmart, Sonny White & Family, and the Yazzie Family.