Cherokee woodcarver Joel Queen will display his work at UNC Asheville November 10

Cherokee life, culture and health will be the focus of two special events on the UNC Asheville campus in November in celebration of American Indian Heritage Month. The events are free and open to the public.

At 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 10, “Traditions of Life, Health, Wellness and Humor of the Eastern Band of Cherokee” will feature music, dance, food and a number of Cherokee speakers. Performers include the Anikuwih Traditional Cherokee Dancers and Cherokee performance artist and singer Paula Nelson. Between performances, the audience will hear from speakers Susan Leading Fox, Eastern Band of Cherokee health office; Jeff Bachar, Cherokee Choices program manager; and Ronald “Chumper” Walker, program manager for Tsalagi Kv Hnv i (Cherokee Life). UNC Asheville’s Health and Wellness Department Chair Keith Ray and Health and Wellness Associate Professor Kathie Garbe will discuss UNC Asheville’s Health and Wellness Program and upcoming health initiatives.

In addition, Cherokee artists will display and sell their handmade crafts. Works by well-known artists Darrin Bark, Mary James, Shirley Oswalt and Joel Queen will be on display. The event, to be held in UNC Asheville’s Lipinsky Auditorium, will wrap up on the UNC Asheville Quad with traditional Cherokee food, drink and music.

Noted writer MariJo Moore will discuss “The Healing Power of Words” at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 14, in UNC Asheville’s Laurel Forum, located on the first floor of Karpen Hall. Moore – of Cherokee, Irish and Dutch ancestry – has written a number of books, including, “Red Woman with Backward Eyes and Other Stories” and “The Diamond Doorknob.” She has given public readings at the Library of Congress National Book Festival and has received numerous awards, including the Wordcraft Circle of Native Writers and Storytellers’ 2003-04 Wordcrafter of the Year Award, and was named the 1998 North Carolina Distinguished Woman in the Arts.

For more information about the special events, call UNC Asheville’s Multicultural Events and Organizations Office at 828/232-5110.