Indigenous Sights, Sounds and Magic Invade Central Florida

September 4, 2004 - Saturday, September 4, 2004 will see a cultural 'invasion' of the University of Central Florida unlike any previous events. The Indigenous Heritage Festival, which will be held at the Student Union Building from 10:00 am - 7:00 pm, will showcase world-class performers, tribal royalty, artistic exhibits, films, media and officials from Africa, Asia and North America. There will be over 20 tribes from three continents represented at this free one-day event. There will be much to do fun families, children and people of all ages.

The Indigenous Heritage Festival has been recognized for its significance as an important contribution to the 300 million indigenous people of the world as well as a gift of culture to the people of Central Florida. Mayor Buddy Dyer proclaimed September 4, 2004 Indigenous Heritage Festival Day in Orlando. Florida Representative Sheri McInvale is schedule to speak at the event as well as other officials. The opening ceremonies will conclude with an awards ceremony honoring the people and organizations that have made a difference for the indigenous people of the world.

The interactive and energetic performance program will take place in the Pegasus Ballroom of the Student Union Building (1st floor). The program will feature West African performance group, Groupe Afric Azolou as well as a Fihankrahene chieftain from Ghana, Africa. The Taiwan ROC Aboriginals Economics and Cultural Exchange Association and Taipei Multicultural Arts Group will bring a delegation of over 30 of the most talented indigenous performers and artists from Taiwan. Native-American Thirza Defoe has been featured in National Geographic and has energized many audiences in the world. Canadian Tamara Podemski can mesmerize audiences with her powerful lyrics sung in native Ojibwe language.

There will be an Indigenous Film Festival that will take place in the Key West Ballroom (2nd floor) of the Student Union Building. The film festival program will feature four indigenous-themed films and animations created by indigenous filmmakers. Hedy Yudaw Domzalski, from the Truku tribe of Taiwan, will be featuring her animated short film, Purple Petal.

In the Cape Florida Ballroom (3rd floor) will be exhibits and booths, where visitors can learn and explore indigenous culture. There will be art, photography, and crafts on display from several countries. Internationally renowned photographer Tien, Kuei-Shih will exhibit a collection focusing on the tribal facial tattoo culture of Taiwan.

The event is organized by ATAYAL, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing a voice for indigenous cultures of the world. Event partners include the Taiwanese Students Association of the University of Central Florida, the Seminole Tribe of Florida and other organizations. Volunteers and assistance has also been provided by the International Students Association of the University of Central Florida.

Event founder Tony Coolidge states, "We have provided this event as a gift from the students of the University of Central Florida to the Central Florida community. We encourage all organizations, groups and families to visit the festival to explore what wonders the world has to offer."

For more information, please contact:

Tony Coolidge
ATAYAL
321-206-8040
E-mail: mail@atayal.org