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Time heals many wounds, but some in the Native American community still feel pain from a difficult past. Dickinson State University is hosting a weeklong lecture series aimed at lifting spirits and bringing people together.

Generations from all walks of life are coming together, listening to Native Americans describe their struggles, both past and present. "It makes you realize what pain they went through, what they`re still going through and how…their life here is a lot harder than us because there`s a lot of racism," said Halley Treeby, a junior at DSU.

The university`s lecture series features accomplished Native Americans, telling stories about horrific acts committed against their ancestors years ago, present day Native Americans feeling inferior, and challenges in teaching Native American students today. "We have to start somewhere to have a dialogue, to have a conversation about one another, and this is a good place to start, and this is a good way to start," said Joseph M. Marshall III, a Native American speaker and award-winning author.

Some students, like senior Kobi Olineck, dropped in just to see what was going on, and walked away with a different perspective. "I really didn`t know…what to expect. I just knew it was kind of about Native speakers, so I didn`t know what he was going to be talking about, but as soon as I got here and listened to him, I was really thankful that I came, and he…really inspired me in so many ways," said Olineck.

Sharing their stories isn`t just educational for students. It`s also therapeutic for those telling them. "Now we can finally, finally, finally see that maybe we can get over some of the hurt. Maybe we can get over some of the gross misunderstandings and wrong doings and move forward in a positive way," said Carmelita Lamb, a Native American speaker.

Participants commend DSU for highlighting Native American issues, and hope a lot will come out of it. "The college certainly has taken a very proactive role, a very courageous role, in doing this sort of thing and it`s important that it continues," said Marshall.

"I really think it`s a good step if they keep getting more and more events like this," added Treeby. The lecture series wraps up Thursday. Events begin Thursday morning at 9 a.m. and run until 5:30 p.m.