The University of Central Missouri hosted Native American Storyteller Eric Hernandez as part of its celebration of Native American Heritage Month on Nov. 13.
Eric Hernandez is a former Cirque du Soleil performer and current Hoop Dancer. He is a member of the Lumbee tribe of North Carolina. Hernandez is also a filmmaker, currently directing a short film named “Courage.” The Native American storyteller came to UCM to both perform the Hoop Dance and speak to students, faculty, staff and Warrensburg community members in the UCM Elliott Student Union Ballroom at 4 p.m. After the activities, Hernandez dined with students in the Elliott Student Union.
For Hernandez, the decision to visit UCM was simple. He wanted to tell his story and make a difference, and felt that trips to schools like UCM help him make that difference.
“Sometimes I do big stadiums. You know, sometimes you get asked to do sports, sports arenas and halftime shows,” Hernandez said. “And next year, I am doing a residency in Las Vegas with the Black Eyed Peas and performing in front of Las Vegas arenas. But, these places, these more intimate settings in these smaller communities, I feel like sometimes I have the biggest impact. So whenever an opportunity pops up to come somewhere that maybe not a lot of people come to, I’m always happy to go.“
Sophomore roommates Gwyndolyn McTamney and Molly Suthoff decided to attend because they saw the poster for the event. For them, one of the coolest things about the event was getting to see it in person.
“I liked being able to learn more about his culture,” Suthoff said, referring to Hernandez. “I feel like that’s something I don’t always have access to. How do you learn more about Native American culture besides going online and looking it up and watching videos? It’s being able to sit here in person and see him and see his pride in what he does.”
The University decided to invite Hernandez to UCM alongside the Trading Moon Powwow to help promote cultural exposure for students. This was evident from Beth Rutt, Director of Student Activities and the Student Recreation and Wellness Center who also spoke on some other factors that made Hernandez a good choice.
“Well, the last two years, we had actually brought in a gentleman called Superman, and the students really, really enjoyed him. Both he and Eric Hernandez have a cultural educational program, as well as entertainment,” said Rutt. “It’s just another way for us to give the students a different perspective.”
