Odeh Center Launch Event
Highlights from the Event Heading link
Native Speakers Centering Their Native Languages
Potawatomi language expert Donald Perrot addressed the crowd first in the Potawatomi language, and UIC PhD student Zoë Harris (citizen of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe) spoke in the Wampanoag language in her remarks to the crowd.
Vice Chancellor Pallares Sharing her Philosophy that “Acknowledge Is A Verb”
Dr. Amalia Pallares, UIC vice chancellor for diversity, equity & engagement, spoke of her approach that inclusion and equity must be enacted, not merely stated, and how the Odeh Center is meant to welcome students from historically marginalized communities so that they do not have to choose between their cultural and academic identities.
Dean Ballard-Thrower Sharing her Admiration for the Innovation of Prince
Dr. Rhea Ballard-Thrower, UIC dean of libraries, told the crowd that she is probably the only Dean at UIC who has a large, framed photo of musical artist Prince on the wall of her office, not only because he was a musical genius, but because he was willing to push boundaries and challenge the status quo – something she aims to do as the leader of UIC’s library network and by housing the Odeh Center within the Library of Health Sciences.
Ribbon Cutting to Launch the New Odeh Center
Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity & Engagement Dr. Amalia Pallares, Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs Dr. Robert Barish, Potawatomi language expert Donald Perrot, Director of Health Affairs Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Adriana Black, Dean of Libraries Dr. Rhea Ballard-Thrower, PhD student Zoë Harris, and muralist Miguel A. Del Real cut the ceremonial ribbon to formally inaugurate the health equity center (pictured left to right).
Chef Jessica Bringing Indigenous Tastes to the Garden
Jessica Pamonicutt, executive chef and owner of Ketapanen Kitchen, Chicago’s first and only Native American pop-up kitchen and catering company, served indigenous fare to event attendees with her women’s medicine salad, blueberry bison tamales and iced cedar tea with honey.
Public Presentation of the “Odehmenan” Mural
The UIC community got a first look at the mural “Odehmenan” designed and painted by Miguel A. Del Real, a Chicago artist born and raised in the Pilsen neighborhood. In his own words, the prominent position for the anatomical heart is the most important symbolic element for the center and significance of Odehmenan Potawatomi word for “this heart of ours.” There is a mind, body and spirit connection depicted with the whimsical flowing lines that interweave all the elements. The four sacred plants of tobacco, sage, sweetgrass and cedar continue to flourish throughout the composition.
Ceremonial Planting of Cedar Tree in the Atkins Medicinal Plant Garden
Among the Four Sacred Medicines of Native American healing practice, Cedar (Gizhki) is known as the restorer and purifier. The ceremonial planting of the cedar tree in the garden during the center dedication program represents healing and growth for this new beginning.
Sharing of Clippings of Plants to Flourish Among Our Community
Event attendees were invited to take home clippings of sage and other aromatic plants as a memento of the event, and as a flourishing reminder of the work of the Odeh Center.
Photos from the Event Heading link
Video of the Dedication Program Heading link
00:00 – Introduction and land acknowledgment from center director Adriana Black, MPH, MAT
02:03 – Robert Barish, MD, vice chancellor for heath affairs
06:14 – Amalia Pallares, PhD, vice chancellor for diversity, equity and engagement
12:04 – Rhea Ballard-Thrower, JD, MLIS, dean of libraries
14:55 – Formal dedication – Introduction from center director Adriana Black, MPH, MAT
19:27 – Remarks in Potawatomi and English from Donald Perrot, Potawatomi language expert
26:39 – Remarks in the Wampanoag language and English from Zoë Harris, UIC PhD student and citizen of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe
30:03 – Ceremonial planting of a Cedar tree
31:15 – Conclusion and invitation to the Odeh Center