University Communications and Marketing

Native Voices Exhibit Coming to MSUB Library

University Communications and Marketing, 657-2266

A lecture panel follows the opening ceremony in Library Arts room 205 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. The lecture panel, titled Indian Health Care in an Urban Center, will be led by Kassie Runs Above and Shawna Cooper.

Native Voices: Native Peoples’ Concepts of Health and Illness is a traveling exhibit which explores the interconnectedness of wellness, illness and cultural life for Native Americans, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians. Stories drawn from both the past and present examine how health for Native People is tied to community, the land, and spirit. Through interviews, Native People describe the impact of epidemics, federal legislation, the loss of land, and the inhibition of culture on the health of Native individuals and communities today.

The traveling exhibit features interviews and works from Native people living on reservations, in tribal villages, and in cities. Topics include: Native views of land, food, community, earth/nature, and spirituality as they relate to Native health: the relationship between traditional healing and Western medicine in Native Communities; economic and cultural issues that affect the health of Native communities; efforts by Native communities to improve health conditions; and the role of Native Americans in military service and healing support for returning Native veterans.

The traveling exhibit is produced by the National Library of Medicine (NLM), and the American Library Association (ALA) in partnership with NLM in touring the exhibit to American libraries. NLM has a history of working with Native communities as part of the Library’s commitment to make health information resources accessible to people no matter where they live. The Native Voices exhibition grew out of meetings with Native leaders in Alaska, Hawai’i and the Lower 48 states. 

“This exhibition honors the Native tradition of oral history and establishes a unique collection of information,” says Donald A.B. Lindberg, MD, director emeritus of the National Library of Medicine. “We hope visitors will find Native Voices both educational and inspirational, and we hope Native people will view it with pride.”

Continental breakfast will be served during the opening ceremony. These events are free and open to the public.

To learn more about this exhibit, contact Reference Librarian Eileen Wright at ewright@msubillings.edu.