YORK, Pa. — American Indian dance, drum and song will all be a part of Penn State York’s celebration of Native American Heritage Month, when the Piscataway Nation Singers & Dancers perform on Tuesday, Nov. 12, The program, at 12:15 p.m. in the conference center of the Main Classroom Building, is free and open to the public. The program is sponsored by the Penn State York Student Affairs office.

As many as 10 million Native Americans lived in North America at the time of Columbus. A succession of Algonquian people ultimately coalesced into the Piscataway Nation of the Chesapeake and Tidewater regions of Maryland. The Piscataway were the first Native Americans to encounter Captain John Smith along the banks of the Potomac River in 1608.

Today, Mark Tayac and the Piscataway Nation Singers & Dancers carry on the long-standing traditions, culture and heritage of their indigenous ancestors. In garments made of feathers, animal skin, cloth, beads and more, the performers highlight traditional song and dance to raise awareness of American Indian culture in the United States.

Tayac travels with the Piscataway Nation Singers & Dancers, presenting a colorful, educational and entertaining pow-wow-style campus event. In addition to their many college campus appearances, the Piscataway Nation Singers & Dancers are frequent contributors to TV specials on the "History Channel" and "Discovery Channel," and appear regularly at the Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C., national pow-wows, and major festivals.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about American Indian history, culture and traditions.