Native American musician visits GVSU

About 50 Grand Rapids area middle and high school students will learn about Native American history and music during a workshop conducted by Joseph FireCrow, a Grammy nominated flutist and vocalist.

The workshop is scheduled from noon-2 p.m. on Thursday, November 7 , in the Kirkhof Center at Grand Valley State University.

FireCrow was born in Montana and raised on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation. An accomplished wooden flutist, FireCrow's fourth album, 'Cheyenne Nation,' received a nomination for 'Best Native American Music Album' category at the 2001 Grammy Awards.

'The wooden flute is a tradition that is passed on from one generation to the next,' FireCrow said. 'Through Northern Cheyenne stories, ceremonies, and songs, our culture is maintained. The flute is kept in the same manner. The legend of how the flute came to the people, the songs that are called wolf-songs, and the construction of the flute, are all kept strong and vibrant.'

Eduardo Sanchez, assistant director of Grand Valley's Multicultural Affairs, said FireCrow will address cultural perspectives on Native American traditions during the workshop. He will also likely demonstrate how to make a flute.

The flutist will later appear with his band in a free performance, open to the public, beginning at 5:30 p.m. on November 7 in the Cook-DeWitt Center.

FireCrow's appearances at Grand Valley precede the annual Anishnaabek Dance and Feast, planned for Saturday, November 9, from noon-6 p.m. , in GVSU's Fieldhouse. FireCrow plans to attend the event that honors all American veterans. The event is open to the public and free. The feast will be at 4 p.m., the colorful grand entries -- featuring participating tribes and flags from all U.S. military branches -- at 1 and 6 p.m.

Along with the Multicultural Affairs Office, the week's events are sponsored by the Native American Student Association, Office of Student Life, and King-Chavez-Parks Initiative.