By Genesis Benavides
Students created corn husk dolls at a workshop hosted by the Native American Student Organization. The event allowed students to come together, participate in cultural artwork, and learn the craft of making corn husk dolls. The organization provides a safe space for Native Americans, and non-Native students are also welcomed.
The NASO president, Felicia Warriax, said students can find a community at UNCP.
Faith Jacobs shared the folklore behind the corn husk doll. The legend goes that a young and beautiful girl, unaware of her beauty, realized how beautiful she was after seeing her reflection in the river water. After seeing how beautiful she was, she started acting differently; she became vain, arrogant, and entitled. The Creator did not like this and went to her to try and get her to change her ways. Otherwise, there would be consequences. The Creator did not say what the result would be but that there would be repercussions for her behavior, but the young girl continued with her bad behavior. One day, while in a cornfield, the young girl fell, and after getting up and dusting herself off, she started to make her way back home to the village. As she walked along the path, she stopped to look at herself; when she looked, she no longer had a face.
“The Native American Student Organization is a safe space for all students to become educated. Our goal is to bring back NASO! As a transfer student, immersing yourself within the culture and having a space to keep alive,” Warriax said.
“Each diversity organization needs a safe space for Natives and non-Natives to have a sense of belonging,” said Faith Jacobs, a Native American Student Organization and Alpha Pi Omega Member.
“Native American Student Organization helps tell the story of the Native Americans,” Darlene Graham said.
The story of the Corn Husk doll reminds us to be kind to others and to remain humble. This event’s craft-making allowed students to be hands-on with customs within Native American culture. The students engaged in the crafting of the corn husk dolls and had the chance to learn about the values and customs within Native American culture and how the Native American community beliefs transcribe into their artwork and craftsmanship.