Bonnie HeavyRunner
Bonnie Combes HeavyRunner (died November 24, 1997) founded the
History
Bonnie "Sim-sin" HeavyRunner grew up on the
Accomplishments
Bonnie HeavyRunner is perhaps best known for her work with the Native American Studies Program that she launched at the University of Montana. She sought scholarships and mentoring for the close to 300 Native American students on campus at the time. She also had the idea to give Native American students a place to call their own, which led to The Payne Family Native American Center.[1] She was credited with educating people on the importance and necessity of such a facility. For this reason, the Native American Center's main lobby was dedicated in her memory as "The Bonnie "Sim-Sin" HeavyRunner Gathering Place."[2]
She helped organize the first Kyi-Yo Academic Conferences on the University of Montana campus that bring together Native American scholars.
References
- ^ a b c Florio, Gwen (Summer–Fall 2010). "Bonnie's Building". Missoula Magazine. 4: 31–35. Retrieved November 11, 2010.
- ^ Azure, B.L. (May 20, 2010) Dreams come true with the dedication of the UM Native American Center. Char-Koosta News. Retrieved Nov. 26, 2010 from http://www.charkoosta.com/2010/2010_05_20/UM_NA_Center_opens.html
- ^ The University of Montana, Main hall to Main Street. (April 1999) Retrieved Nov. 26, 2010 from "Kyi-Yo Days pairs powwow with academic conference". Archived from the original on November 8, 2010. Retrieved December 1, 2010.
- ^ The University of Montana, Kyi-Yo Native American Student Association. (n.d.) Retrieved Nov. 26, 2010 from http://www.umt.edu/kyiyo/default.htm