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Press Releases
For Immediate Release
September 25, 2008
For more information, contact
Virginia Campbell
(585) 395-2754
vcampbel@brockport.edu
Native American Grammy-award Winner Celebrates Diversity
Bill Miller in Concert at The College at Brockport
Brockport, NY – Native American Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Bill Miller captivated the capacity crowd at The College at Brockport, State University of New York’s Eighth Annual Cultural Diversity Conference, “Bridging the Gap.” During the morning’s keynote presentation, Miller spoke from the heart about his own experiences as a Native American seeking and finding his place in the world. He also offered a traditional Native American blessing and song, accompanied by a hand-held drum, which he said symbolizes the circle of life.
He shared stories of the challenges and successes that have helped him to become who he is today. Miller emphasized the qualities of the eagle, encouraging everyone to focus their attention on the eagle, the one bird that does not seek shelter from a storm. Instead, “eagles will lock their wings, face the wind, and fly high above the storm.” Miller also shared his belief in the importance of the 12 eagle feathers that “rest in his care.”
Each feather symbolizes something that Miller tries to abide by each day, including recognizing the shallows and the depths that are a part of life, seeking and believing in a divine vision, abandoning all negativity that holds one back, understanding the cost of spiritual freedom, knowing the power in consistent prayer, accepting blessings bestowed by others, being still to hear the voice of creation, seeking transformation, managing oneself, being led by the spirit, finding the secrets that are revealed by other’s love, and giving to others.
The day-long conference continued with morning and afternoon educational sessions and panel discussion, a cultural showcase, and an international food tasting of four stations with food from cultures from Asia, Europe, Africa/the Caribbean and Latin America. The conference was concluded with an inspiring evening concert with the Boninquen Dance Theatre and Miller.
For additional information on the 2008 Cultural Diversity Conference, visit http://www.brockport.edu/divconf/2008/. To learn more information about Bill Miller, visit http://www.houseofwally.com/bm.htm.
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The College at Brockport, State University of New York
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