Bright Circle February 9, 2011

Producers Russ Bolinger and Shawn Kakuk will introduce and screen their film, "Bright Circle," an independent documentary about the history of Native Americans and Athletics. In the Hatcher Library Gallery; free and open to the public.

Bright Circle explores the history of Native American Indians’ participation and achievement in athletics. The 19th century saw the founding of “Indian Schools” – boarding schools that brought Native American children together from many different tribes, most often against their will. The objective was assimilation. The motto was, “Kill the Indian, Save the Man.” In addition to the insistence on removal of tribal customs and conventions, the “Indian Schools” focused their male population on sports, particularly football. Unintentionally, these institutions produced some of the best athletes and teams of the late 19th and early 20th century. Jim Thorpe, honored as the Greatest Athlete of the 20th century, is one example. Members of his family appear in the film.

At the turn of the 20th Century, Native American Indians dominated intercollegiate and professional sports, but over the past one hundred years, Native American Indian participation in popular sports has decreased at an astonishing rate.

"We are both excited and honored to be presenting Bright Circle at the University of Michigan, not only because of the rich history of Wolverine athletics but, more importantly, because of the commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles, and choices, for Native Americans. We are proud that Bright Circle is a part of this commitment and feel that our film is a natural fit with these efforts as an educational and inspirational tool." -- Russ Bolinger and Shawn Kakuk

Sponsors for this event include: University Library and the Library Diversity Committee; Academic Success Program, Department of Intercollegiate Athletics; Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs (MESA) & Trotter Multicultural Center (TMC) Division of Student Affairs; Michigan Community Scholars Program.