“The Spirituality of the Plains Indian Women”will be the featured topic at this years Women of Color Day Luncheon set for 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16, in the Mountainlair Ballrooms as part of West Virginia Universitys annual Diversity Week activities (Oct. 14-18).

Thomasine R. Troisi, a Crow and Pawnee Indian from St. Marys, will give the keynote address. A descendant of Pawnee Medicine Women, Maggie Hand Knifechief and Pawnee Chief Big Bear, Troisi was selected as Miss Indian American and Outstanding Indian of the Year and has appeared as a guest on various news segments including the Today Show.

She was a Presidential appointee to the National American Revolution Bicentennial Commission and has served on several West Virginia commissions under the administrations of West Virginia Governors Gaston Caperton, Cecil Underwood and Bob Wise.

The cost of the luncheon is $7 for students and $12 for non-students. The menu includes crusted chicken with black bean salsa, baked corn and wild rice stuffed acorn squash.

Registration deadline is Oct. 8. Those interested should make reservations with Kim Suder by calling (304) 293-4555 or visitinghttp://www.as.wvu.edu/cwc/ .