Native American speaker visits USN

Indigenous Peoples advocate Trenton Wheeler spoke to High School and Middle School students about his experience in Nashville's entertainment field and his perspective as an Indigenous person.
By Roderick White. Director of Diversity and Community Life

USN had the honor of hosting Trenton Wheeler in our space on Edgehill on Friday, November 15 and Wednesday, November 20. Wheeler spoke to our High School and Middle School about his experience in Nashville's entertainment field and his perspective as an Indigenous person. 

The High School spoke extensively about the Medicine Wheel and its current and future importance.

The Middle School had the honor of witnessing Wheeler as he presented in his regalia and shared some of his culture with a selection of the Grass Dance associated with his Blackfeet heritage.
 
Honoring his Blackfeet/Métis heritage, Wheeler continues the tradition of Northern Plains grassing and regularly hosts educational enrichment programs and speaking events. He advocates for Indigenous peoples and has served on the board of directors for the Native American Indian Association of Tennessee. With his Blackfeet/Metís heritage as a focal point, Wheeler spoke to both groups about the importance of his identity and the duty and responsibility that each one of us has in the future of this world. Wheeler frequently referenced the "Seven Generations," a reference to all of our ancestors, along with the impact we each have on the next seven generations that will come after us.  
 
Wheeler is a founding member of the folk-pop ensemble Seryn, whose music has been featured by Disney, Clayton Homes, Wells Fargo, Whataburger, MTV, VH1, Showtime, and countless others. The group has been praised for its captivating live shows, emotionally charged compositions, and dynamic orchestrations. Wheeler also produces and performs music under the stage name "Topknot" (short for his tribal given name Owl Topknot Feather), combining influences of '80s synth-pop & rock with twangy guitars and cinematic climaxes reminiscent of a spaghetti western soundtrack.  
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University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.