Joseph Bruchac, one of the nation's top Native American authors, will speak at Westminster College, Thursday, March 29, at 6:30 p.m. in Wallace Memorial Chapel.

Bruchac's literary achievements have been featured in over 500 publications, including National Geographic, and his name appears as the author or co-author of more than 50 books for children and adults.

Bruchac, who was raised by his Abenaki Indian grandfather, never knew of his heritage until he became an adult because his Grandpa Jesse believed it best to spare his grandson the stigma of being a half-breed. It was only after his grandfather died, that Bruchac, then in his 20s, began to explore his heritage.

Much of Bruchac's own research takes place around campfires, at pow wows, and in the foothills of the Adirondacks where his ancestors once lived, and he grew up. He considers himself a current day "wampum keeper, " an oral historian with a flair for storytelling who educate each new generation about values, beliefs, customs and traditions.

Bruchac does not consider himself a gifted author, but one who has been given "a wonderful gift" which he shares with others. His message to Natives and non-Natives alike is the same. "Have pride in what you are and recognize that we as human beings make ourselves. Our possibilities are not limited by what our family was or by what other people say."

"I've continued to read and to listen to stories from elders," continued Bruchac. "The central themes in my work are simple ones - that we have to listen to each other and to the earth, that we have to respect each other and the earth, that we never know anyone until we know that they have in their heart."

This is the last in a series of presentations of The Westminster College Diversity Symposium, which is designed to help students and the community acquire a knowledge and appreciation of differences among people, human cultures, and the natural world.

The event is free and open to the public, and is followed by a book signing at 7:30 p.m. For more information, contact Charlene Klassen Endrizzi, associate professor of education at Westminster College, at (724) 946-7189 or e-mail endrizck@westminster.edu.