LEWISTON - Native American Awareness Week is underway at Lewis-Clark State College and 4th graders from all over the region got a dose of Nez Perce ways Tuesday morning.

"They learned a little bit about our culture, Nez Perce culture, Indian culture overall," said Jake Whiteplume with the Nez Perce Tribe. "They got to see the different types of dances we do as Indian people."

The kids were able to take turns doing ceremonial dances at a mini pow wow held at the LCSC Activity Center. Whiteplume said the kids love learning about tribal customs and that it’s important to share Nez Perce culture with others.

"To let people know that we're still here, to let people know that the Tribe is here, Nez Perce people are here, Indian people are here, that we are here and alive and we're modern day, contemporary, we're ceremonial, we are culturally-enriched people," he said.

Tuesday morning's event was just one of many this week. Tuesday night a Native American comedian performed at the Williams Conference Center and Wednesday and Thursday there are panels and presentations at the Williams Conference Center, free and open to the public. Thursday night is a Friendship Banquet and the week is topped of Friday night with a larger pow wow.