Comedian Charlie Hill will highlight a month of events commemorating MSU’s Native American Heritage Month at 7 p.m. today in the Wharton Center’s Pasant Theatre.

Hill’s act focuses on Native American culture and issues and has been likened to the comedy of Chris Rock, Eddie Murphy and Richard Pryor.

Tonight’s performance is free to the public, although donations of non-perishable food items for the MSU Student Food Bank are encouraged. Tickets will be handed out at the door.

Darren Kroenke, who co-chairs the North American Indian Student Organization, or NAISO, said Hill’s performance promises to be a show that is both “informative and entertaining.”

“He provides consciousness of Indian issues through comedy,” said Kroenke, an international relations and German senior.

He said NAISO invited Hill to speak because the organization believes laughter provides a safe place to discuss important issues.

“Comedy is a good medium to communicate messages to people and it’s a medium that everyone feels comfortable with,” he said.

Tonight’s performance is just one of many events to take place during Native American Heritage Month, which began Nov. 1. Movie nights featuring Native American films such as “Map of the Human Heart,” “Forgotten Warriors” and “Smilla’s Sense of Snow” already provided discussion of both art and cultural issues.

Mindy Morgan, an Indiana University anthropology doctoral candidate, presented “Native North American Language Endangerment: Community Considerations and Cultural Responses” on Monday night in NAISO’s Culture Room, G-33 North Hubbard Hall.

Lauren Campbell, who co-chairs NAISO, said the month’s programs allow Native American students to celebrate and showcase their heritage.

“It’s important for Native students because it helps us keep connected with our history and culture,” the journalism senior said.

And while Kroenke agrees that celebrating Native American heritage is important to the university’s native population, he said it’s also beneficial in breaking down stereotypes that sometimes surround Native Americans.

Shannon Mayer, a Native American minority aide in Case Hall, said all students should find time to make it to at least one heritage month event.

“You’re here to learn about the world, about life and reality,” said Mayer, a parks and recreation and tourism resources junior.

“We’re kind of jaded by how we grow up, so this is a chance to see another side of life and get information. This is for everybody.”