Participants in American Indian regalia line up at a Pawnee homecoming in 2009. (Courtesy of Les D. Riding In)

The University of Texas at Arlington Native American Students Association is hoping to give an education to anyone who attends its “This Is Not a Costume” program.

The Star-Telegram reports that the event will showcase the personal, historical and important significance of regalia. Both male and female dancers will show off American Indian dress and the group hopes attendees realize every piece has a history.

“When someone puts on regalia, it’s something,” said Les Riding In, a UTA Honors College adviser whose parents are members of the Osage and Pawnee tribes. “What I like is hearing the family histories. It’s a chance to learn more.”

Riding In said that although the campus group only has 15 to 20 members, North Texas has a good-size American Indian community.

“This is going to be an open forum” with a time for questions, said Riding In, whose last name is Pawnee. “All ages are welcome. It’s definitely a chance to see something that they may have heard of.”

Jenna Cederberg

Tags: buffalo post, les riding in, Native American Students Association, Pawnee, regalia, star-telegram, university of texas at arlington