Doctor speaks on S.A African health issues, The Michigan Daily - Friday, March 16, 1990 - Page 5 Pow Wow to honor- Native Americans by Gil Renberg Daily Staff Reporter South Africa's Black population is exposed to tremendous health risks, said Dr. Delano Meriwether, a professor at Albion College, in a speech yesterday at the University Medical School. Meriwether recently returned from a six-year stay in South Africa, where he worked in a hospital and learned about life in the "homelands" where millions of poor, Black South Africans live. The apartheid-created homelands, which are similar to reservations, are areas where Blacks are forced to live. Homelands are "artificial creations of the government" which should be abolished, Meriwether told a crowd of about 80 people. "The South African government separates people to keep them unequal." Meriwether said the inequality manifests itself in the perilous liv- ing standards of the Blacks, who often lack running water. He said the inhabitants usually drink unclean and contaminated water which has not been boiled. "There was every major illness associated with poverty," Meriwether said, noting that these conditions perpetuate the spread of diseases, many of which have been eradicated in more developed parts of the world. He said tuberculosis, for which he immunized as many Blacks as pos- sible, is very common. Further compounding the prob- lem, Meriwether said, is the lack of food. The prescriptions he wrote for his patients frequently were for "food" rather than medicine. Whites, on the other hand, re- ceive excellent health care, said Meriwether. Whereas South Africa has seven medical schools for its population of five million whites, there is only one medical school for the 35 million Blacks, he said. Meriwether said the suffering is not easily alleviated and little effort is made to improve the situation by international groups, such as UNICEF and the Red Cross, which are boycotting South Africa because of the apartheid system. He said the boycott hurts those it is meant to help: "You don't punish the victim." In an informal discussion after his speech, Meriwether gave his views on how to bring about the end of apartheid. "We need to put effec- tive pressure on the South African government and not make fools of ourselves." He praised the intentions of those who placed economic sanctions on South Africa but claimed that these by Geri Alumit The 18th annual Pow Wow is expected to draw over 5,000 specta- tors to the University Sports Arena this weekend. Adorning "Dance for Mother Earth" as its theme, the Na- tive American festive affair will showcase traditional art work and will present a celebration of dancing and singing. "We believe that Mother Earth is the one binding factor among all the different races and that by healing our Mother and respecting her we can all come to peace," said RC ju- nior Melissa Lopez, a Navajo Indian who is President of the Native American Student Association. Traders from across the United States and Canada will exhibit au- thentic Native American made mer- chandise at the event. "This is a wonderful chance to share with the rest of the University our culture. We don't just want people to read about our culture but to experience it also," said Lopez. The event's festivities will include three grand entries or Native American dance competitions, two taking place Saturday and the third on Sunday. At least 13 to 14 drum groups will perform at the Pow Wow. In addition to the Pow Wow, Ken Funmaker, Sr., a Winnebago tribal leader, and his daughter Lori Fun- maker, will discuss their tribes ways and demonstrate traditional dance styles Friday night at the Stanley House Lounge in Baits Hall. "This Pow Wow tradition has been part of our culture for hundreds of years and we as students and faculty show our dedication to our heritage by hosting this event," said Lopez.- The The Pow Wow is sponsore4 by the University's Minority Stir dent Services, the Native American Student Association and Americans Indians. EAD THEr CIA.SJFIE 6{' JENNIFR t DuuETiaiy Dr. Meriwether addresses a crowd in the South Lecture Hall in the Medical Science Building in an appearance sponsored by the Black Medical Association and the Latin American/Native American Medical Association. measures had little effect on the country's strong economy. Meri- wether said South Africans laugh at such U.S. actions and in his grade- book these sanctions earned "a 'C' for economics, 'A' for morals." LYBIA Continued from page 1 A previously unknown group of Libyan dissidents, the Organization of the Patriotic Wing of the Libyan Army, claimed responsibility for the blaze in a statement sent to West Germany's ARD television network. A journalist for JANA, reached by telephone from Cairo, said he was unsure whether there were casu- alties in the fire but said the plant was badly damaged. "You may consider it has been burned down," he said, speaking on condition of anonymity. White House press secretary Mar- lin Fitzwater said damage was exten- sive but the plant was still standing. "Common sense would tell you it's not functioning," he said. "We as- sume it's not functioning." I won% app-low.ft mw I,-m r [-Z The Women's Studies Program presents w P j 00 RACE AND GENDER: REDEFINING THE SOCIAL SCIENCES A LECTURE BY KING/CHAVEZ/PARKS VISITING PROFESSOR BONNIE THORNTON DILL Research Professor, Center for Research on Women, Memphis State University in conjunction with the awarding of the .v THIS WEEKEND, THE PARTY'S OFF-CAMPUS a ,, ; r' , c cI Pace yourself. This is clubs. Jaz no ordinary party. For/3 Countless starters, its in Chicago. 4--"-'----.-> dine, dance One block from North ,-->-''- I" program. The Pier. Home of the young City Centre] and breathless. (Sog Sports Cent much to do, so little weekE time.) Steady now, you Z lhead don't want to miss any-Af thing. Like Rush Street.Cc: Or the "Magnificent The pla Mile" of shops.4 s Request o Or how about the city's Plus tax College Ra art treasures. ComedyPer room, per nightmaigrS art tresures.Comedy With student, admin. or faculty I.Da.ngre Advanrce reservations required,. subject to avadabibity irmit 4 persons per roon , v 1 ll- a 4. t "X 'arty' a - a Iv z cellars. places to e and de- eChicago Hotel and er is your