NOCCA | Science & Math Student Participates In Nationals for History Day Contest
NOCCA | Science & Math Student Participates In Nationals for History Day Contest
NOCCA is proud to share the news that Walker Meyn, 12th Grader NOCCA Media Arts | New Orleans Charter Science & Mathematics High School student, was a recognized state entry in the annual National History Day Contest advancing to the national level competition for his documentary focusing on Native Americans. This year’s theme for the contest was Taking a Stand In History.
Walker stated, “I’ve been interested in Native American culture ever sense I was in 6th grade. I had gained the interest upon discovering their cultural complexities and near-cultural annihilation by the US Government. I wanted to learn as much as I can about the various culture of these people and even make stories revolving around them.”
After graduation, Walker plans to attend an arts college with a double-major in Animation and Drawing.
He shared, “I do plan to draft projects based in a historical context, especially that of an indigenous context. One of the colleges I’m applying to is called the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA), which is a college in Santa Fe that has a universal focus on Native American culture and advocacy.”
Founded in 1974 at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, the National History Day Contest inspires students to conduct original historical research through project-based contests.
Film Process & Notes From Walker Meyn
“Before I began the actual production of the documentary, I had taken a year to research various indigenous cultures around the country. In addition to internet sources, I had visited the Rosebud Lakota Reservation (South Dakota) during a volunteer trip last summer. There, I had obtained an array of primary sources of Lakota culture and historical events analyzed in the film itself.”
“I thought the best course of action would be to record an interview from an actual Native American in order to obtain a personal narrative for the documentary. I tried going to a local powwow, which I did fortunately film a few dances here and there, but no one was interested in being interviewed.”
It was not until the very last second when I contacted a man born and raised on a Navajo reservation who agreed to an interview. When my mom and I traveled to his hotel complex outside of Baton Rouge, we were able to successfully film this intriguing interview. With little time to spare, I was able to finish post-production the night before the deadline. I honestly think this documentary would never happened if it weren’t for the interviewee.
After submitting the documentary, I won both regional and state levels and advanced to the national level competition in Washington D.C.”
Walker Meyn | 12th Grade New Orleans Charter Science & Mathematics High & NOCCA Media Arts, New Orleans
Attached Link To Film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fv8ilv7spBU&feature=youtu.be