American Indian

United Methodists discourage smoking, but an American Indian green corn ceremony -- with an option of smoking a peace pipe -- has been tentatively approved for the church's new book of worship.So it's not surprising that opposition is rising."We do not allow smoking at the United Methodist Publishing House," the Rev. Dal Joon Won was quoted as saying by the denomination's news service. "Why should we say it is OK in the sanctuary?"Mr. Won, a staff member of the publishing house in Nashville, Tenn.

NEW YORK -- The most important symbol to the American Indian is a circle.It has no beginning and never ends. It just goes round and round.It reminds Indians of their families: They have always been, have suffered much, and will always survive.This information strikes visitors soon after entering the new Smithsonian Institution's Indian exhibit, which has moved into the old Custom House at Bowling Green at the foot of Broadway.The Custom House is the future home of the Museum of the American Indian.

Pernell Richardson donned a porcupine headdress, carried a cluster of feathers on his back and reflected on the centuries-old tradition he was about to kick and stomp his way through. Richardson, 43, had just arrived at Patterson Park yesterday to dance in the Baltimore Native American Festival and Powwow, but also wanted to make an impression on his 14-year-old son, Will. "This is a way for me to pass this along to him," said Richardson, a Virginia resident, as his son put on a bright yellow and orange vest in preparation for his own dance.

NOW OR NEVER Indulge your inner space cadet Saturday at the Anne Arundel Community College Astronomy Club's Community Observing Night. Bring your own telescope or binoculars or use one of AACC's eight telescopes to gaze at stars, planets and the moon. Weather permitting, this family event will be held from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. in parking lots A and B, near the AACC's Astronomy Lab, at 101 College Parkway, Arnold. Admission is free. Call 410-798-6625 after 6 p.m. -- Vera Adelman COMING UP Celebrate Native American culture at the 12th annual Howard County Pow-Wow / American Indian Show and Festival Saturday and Sunday at the Howard County Fairgrounds in Friendship.

Painful childhood experience turned Herbert Locklear to life 0) of social workHerbert Locklear can still recall the childhood event that prompted him to devote his life to working with the disadvantaged.At age 5, he watched as his father, a poor tenant farmer in Georgia, was attacked by his landlord, and policemen turned away."The picture of that experience stayed with me. I resolved not to be in that kind of situation," says Mr. Locklear, a husband and father of five who lives in Ednor Gardens.

The following are some of the scholarships available specifically to members of various racial and ethnic minorities. Check the scholarship listings for Maryland colleges and universities for additional programs directed at minorities. College financial aid offices have information on grants and other programs designed to aid minorities.Scholarships for American Indians and native Alaskans are sponsored by the Association on American Indian Affairs, 245 Fifth Ave., Suite 1801, New York, N.Y. 10016; (212)

There can be no greater distance anywhere in entertainment culture than that between Wes Studi on screen and Wes Studi in person. On screen -- as all who've seen "Dances With Wolves," where he played a Pawnee warrior, or "Last of the Mohicans," where he played a Huron warrior, or "Geronimo," where he plays an Apache warrior can testify -- he's the mask of the red death personified. No fiercer, more demonic visage can be imagined. The guy seems to be not just a warrior but all warriors, a meta-mythic warrior, remote, impassive, unbelievably complex, his every movement an equally eloquent expression of violence and melancholy.

The nation's top American Indian leaders gathered in Albuquerque, N.M., this week to discuss concerns ranging from religious freedoms to water rights.But Russell Means, the co-founder of the American Indian Movement and a leader of the protest at Wounded Knee, S.D., in 1973, wasn't among them. The activist turned actor was at the Anne Arundel County fairgrounds in Crownsville to be the guest of honor at a festival to raise awareness of children's rights and the environment.Mr. Means has abandoned the leadership of the American Indian Movement for Hollywood.

WASHINGTON - While not admitting that I am the kind of museum-goer who rates a cultural institution by its food, I do admit that whenever I find myself in a museum I migrate to the cafeteria. Take what happened a few weeks ago, for instance, when I was among the media horde that descended on the Smithsonian's latest hallowed institution, the National Museum of the American Indian on the National Mall in Washington. Critics, such as The Sun's Glenn McNatt and Ed Gunts, critiqued the museum's displays and its architecture.

SATURDAY MARYLAND RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL: Hear ye, hear ye, it's time once again to drink mead, feast on food on sticks and flaunt your best chain mail. Surely, we joust on the festival grounds in Crownsville Saturdays, Sundays and Labor Day Monday through Oct. 25, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Go to rennfest.com. BEAT THE HEAT: The Summer Massive dance party helps you chill out with cranking A.C., free snowballs and some other cool surprises at Paradox Nightclub, 1310 Russell St., from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Spinning the chill tunes are Charles Feelgood, DJ Dara, Tittsworth, Benny Page, Swarm, ODI, Cannon Boys, DJ 2Rip and others.