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The Real Indian presented by Sky Sampson, Cherokee Center Director 

This presentation will cover the stereotypical identities of what is known as the “Real Indian” within her community and other tribal communities. You will get to step into the shoes of a native student, professional, and community member as we discuss openly what a true native looks like, lives like and struggles with each day. The struggle of being a people of the past and how tribes are constantly fighting to be a people of the present. Join us to find out what being native is all about in 2020.

Sky Sampson, Director of the WCU Cherokee Center, is an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Sampson earned her bachelor’s degree in communications with a concentration in public relations at Western Carolina University in 2010 before going on to receive her master’s degree in human environmental sciences at the University of Alabama in 2014. She has served as the director of the WCU Cherokee Center since Dec 2016. Sampson serves as a liaison between WCU and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and is continuously providing guidance and consulting about the tribal communities throughout North Carolina. Apart from her role as the director Sampson is a member of the Patient and Family Advisory Council for the Cherokee Indian Hospital, a member of the WCU Intercultural Affairs Advisory Council, a member of the Cherokee Studies Program Committee and a Digali’I Native Student Org Advisor.  

Attendees must register in advance via Zoom via this link