Linfield students will pitch a large Native American tipi in the Oak Grove this Friday afternoon, and Jan Michael Looking Wolf will offer a ceremonial blessing and flute music at 5 p.m. Students are invited to camp out for the night.
Art students in Professor Totem Shriver’s class painted the tipi, a gift from a member of the Lakota Sioux Tribe, designing a medicine wheel for the canvas. The four directions represent Mother Earth, water, sky and fire. Students also immersed themselves in the history and culture of local Native Americans.
“I think it is safe to say there will not be another tipi on campus anytime soon,” Shriver says, “although I would love to see about 30. Take in this experience, and make of it what you will.”
Shriver will be in residence each evening this week and would love to have people stop by and visit, or spend the night. Check ahead for available space.
The pole structure will be pitched Thursday afternoon and the canvas will go on Friday afternoon before the dedication. Come and help, experience, and enjoy this chance to taste Native America.
Tipis are important to Native American people, said Looking Wolf, a Grand Ronde Native and award-winning flutist. “In traditional ceremonies people often gather in a circle. All sides of a circle are the same, and all are equal — we are one heart.”
For more information, contact Totem Shriver at 503-883-2541 or tshrive@linfield.eud.
Jan Michael Looking Wolf is signed with Spirit Wind Records. He has recorded 16 CDs and two DVDs on various labels. The Native American Music Awards named him 2009 Artist of the Year.
