April 10, 7:00-9:00pm: “AMÁ” Hybrid film screening, discussion with on-campus Native American Studies Elder-in-Residence Jean Whitehorse (Navajo), moderated by Bonnie Brown, NAS Program Coord.

Free & open to the public. Attend on campus: G20 Ming Hsieh Hall or Register to attend via Zoom: https://wvu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_elXkIly2icCT1Uq

“Amá,” the Navajo word for mother, is a fitting title for this poignant documentary. The gifted filmmaker Lorna Tucker addresses the involuntary sterilization of thousands of Native American women at U.S. government-run hospitals and clinics and elsewhere, a practice that continued into the 1970s and impacted women from other groups as well.

Elder-in-Residence and citizen of the Navajo Nation Jean Whitehorse experienced sterilization without consent. She shares her personal story in this thought-provoking film, illuminating the need to face history honestly, work to ensure ethical medical care, and promote human rights. She will be at WVU the second week in April, giving classroom presentations and engaging with faculty and Health Sciences graduate students. This is a rare opportunity for students, healthcare professionals, scholars, and community members to learn directly from a Navajo Nation elder. The daughter of a Navajo code talker, Ms. Whitehorse attended government boarding schools, was part of the U.S. government's Indian Urban Relocation program, was active in the Civil Rights/Native Rights movement, incl. the Alcatraz Island occupation. She worked for New Mexico’s State Tribal Library Program for over 26 years before retiring.

Film Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWUlBuUUb-4