Nov. 1, 2010
For Immediate Release
By Shelby Lynn Cash, student news writer
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. – Will Peters, an enrolled member of the Oglala Lakota nation, also known as the Sioux, will be at Campbellsville University on Wednesday, Nov. 17 and Thursday, Nov. 18 to share his experiences of the lifestyle and work as a Native American.
A “Native American Experience Exhibit” will be offered at CU’s Art Annex, located at 205 University Drive, Campbellsville. The exhibit will include a PowerPoint presentation and items from and about Pine Ridge (artwork, crafts, books, jewelry, photos, etc). Some of the CDs and jewelry will be for sale. Peters and his wife, Lena, will be in attendance. The showcase will be available Nov. 17 from 5 to 7 p.m.
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| Will Peters |
Peters, his lifestyle and his work, will be highlighted in “An Evening with Will Peters” in CU’s Banquet Hall, located in the Badgett Academic Support Center, at 110 University Drive, Campbellsville. Peters will speak on Nov. 18 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Peters will be speaking about Lakota life and culture, while incorporating some of his music. Both events are free and open to the public.
Last May Campbellsville University students traveled to South Dakota to learn about the culture of the Native Americans by visiting the Lakota Sioux tribe on the Pine Ridge Reservation. When the students arrived in South Dakota, they met Peters, an enrolled member of the Oglala Lakota nation.
Peters’ talk and exhibit will showcase the students’ experiences and learning on their 10-day trip.
Peters, his wife, their children and grandchildren make their home on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. The Pine Ridge Reservation is located in one of the two poorest counties in the United States of America.
Peters has taught Lakota culture for over 20 years; he teaches at Pine Ridge High School. On occasion, he also teaches part time for Oglala Lakota College.
Peters has also served as a tribal council representative for the Oglala Lakota nation, where he sat as the chairman of the Oglala Lakota nation education committee.
Among the traditional people of the Oglala, Peters has gained a reputation as a strong community activist, as well as an advocate for Lakota youth, women and elders.
Peters is also a craftsman/artist and musician.
More recently, Peters, along with his youngest son Jesse, recorded and released a 16-track CD of contemporary Native music titled: “Reservation Nights.” The CD, featuring original songs written by Peters, was the 2009 Native American Music Awards winner for “Best Debut/Duo Artists of the Year.” His music will be played at the art exhibit.
In addition to the exhibit, Peters will be speaking to several classes about Lakota culture and perspective. He will also be doing an interview with John Chowning, vice president for church and external relations and executive assistant to the president, on the “Dialogue on Public Issues” show on WLCU. He will also meet with the Participation Ministries Board of Directors.
Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with over 3,000 students offering 63 undergraduate programs, 17 master’s degrees and five postgraduate areas. The website for complete information is campbellsville.edu.