UC Davis' annual string of cultural celebrations is set to begin with Native American Culture Days.

The theme this year is "From Our Roots We Gain Strength for the Future." A news release explains: "This year's theme is in reflection of all the contributions and accomplishments of Indigenous Peoples, especially here at Poo Tah Toi/UC Davis."

Most of the activities are scheduled next week, starting with a sunrise ceremony April 5 and concluding with a daylong powwow April 10. Events that are scheduled in between include stickball on the Quad, presentations, student panels and a town hall meeting. In addition, people are welcome to buy from a menu of Native American food all week long at the Silo and Gunrock Pub.

A film festival is set for April 11 and a panel discussion for April 26.

All events are free and open to the public.

NACD is a program of the Cross Cultural Center and is supported by ASUCD, the Office of Campus Community Relations and Student Affairs. Co-sponsors include the Native American Student Union, Native American Law Student Association, 7th Generation Nation, Natives Empowered through Unity and Education, Native American Studies, and the Native American Faculty and Staff Association.

The NACD schedule:

April 5

• Sunrise ceremony — 5:30-7 a.m., Putah Creek firepit.

• NACD Kickoff — 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Memorial Union Patio and Quad.

• Sounds from the 7th Generation: A Night of Poetry and Art — 7-9 p.m., 126 Voorhies Hall.

April 6

• Traditional and Contemporary Uses of Plant Materials by California Indians — Noon-1 p.m., 3201 Hart Hall.

• Community Dinner: Celebrating 40 Years of Native American Studies at UC Davis, Poo Tah Toi — 6-8:30 p.m., King Lounge, memorial Union.

April 7

• Disease, Livestock, SEXISM? Sexism is a Western Idea — Addressing sexism, specifically in tribal communities. Noon-1 p.m., 3201 Hart Hall.

• Good Eats from Indian Country: Silo Food Demo — Indian tacos and blackberry cobbler. Plus, a discussion of the health benefits of various Native diets. 4:30-5:30 p.m.

• Reimagining Queer Indigenous Bodies — Celebrate the invisible and often-forgotten bodies of two-spirit and queer indigenous people through artistic expression. 7-9 p.m., Griffin Lounge, MU.

April 8

• Indigenous Solidarity on the Quad — KDVS will provide the jams and Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Atzlan (MEChA) will provide the silkscreen. Bring an item you would like screenprinted. Noon-1 p.m.

• Niu Pasifik: Urban Art from the Pacific Rim — Talk by curator and educator Giles Peterson, and reception. 4-6 p.m., C.N. Gorman Museum, first floor, Hart Hall.

• Town Hall — "This is a time where we invite all affiliates of UC Davis and beyond to take part in this discussion of how Native students are being affected by the UC crisis and what we can do to prepare for the future." 6-8 p.m., Regan Main.

April 9

• Stickball on the Quad — Ever wonder where lacrosse comes from? It descends from and resembles stickball, a game that various tribes would play. Join us on the quad for a fun stickball game. Noon-2 p.m.

• Powwow Dancing Workshop — Basic powwow dancing. Also, learn about the significance of powwows in Native American culture, and learn powwow etiquette in advance of the UC Davis Powwow (April 10). 4:30-6:30 p.m., multipurpose room, Harper Junior High School, 4000 E. Covell Blvd., Davis.

• Sunset Ceremony and Dinner — Honoring Jack Forbes. Speaker: professor Lehman Brightman, president, United Native Americans Inc. 6-8:30 p.m., Putah Creek Lodge.

April 10

• "Honoring Our Elders" Powwow — 38th annual UC Davis Powwow. With intertribal social dancing, dance contests, arts and crafts vendors and Indian taco booths. Starting at 9 a.m., Pavilion at the ARC. Grand entries, noon and 6 p.m.

April 11

• Native Film Festival — Starting at 6 p.m., Varsity Theatre, 616 Second St., Davis.

April 26

• Panel Discussion on Legal Careers in Native American Law — Noon-1 p.m., 1008 King Hall.

•••

Here is what lies ahead:

• Danzanta del Alma annual show, this year titled Generaciones del Alma, April 10.

• Asian Pacific Culture Week — April 19-23 (including APCW Culture Night, April 23)

• La Raza Cultural Days — April 26-May 1 (including La Gran Tardeada, May 1)

• Mixed Heritage Week — May 3-7

• Black Family Week — May 17-22 (including Black Family Day, May 22)

More information