The Arts at Millersville University will observe National Native American Heritage Month with two special programs. All events will take place at the Ware Center, 42 N. Prince St., Lancaster.

We The People First Friday on Nov. 4 will feature "Art Heals: The Jingle Dress Project." This event includes a performance that demonstrates the use of the Ojibwe jingle dress through music and dance. Accompanying the performance is an exhibit of works by the project's curator and photographer, Eugene Tapahe. The performance will take place in Steinman Hall at 6:30 p.m. An opening reception for the exhibit will take place in the Lyet Lobby from 6 to 8 p.m. and will be on display through Monday, Nov. 28.

Also on First Friday, an opening reception for the exhibit "The Woodcut Portraits of Dan Miller" will take place in the Regitz Gallery from 6 to 8 p.m. The exhibit showcases the influence of Miller's visits to Japan in the 1950s, where he was introduced to the woodcut art form, and Miller's works will be on display through Tuesday, Nov. 29.

First Friday events at the Ware Center are free and open to the public.

"Distant Thunder," a new musical about hope, redemption, and the search for identity, will be presented on Thursday, Nov. 10, at 7:30 p.m. "Distant Thunder" illustrates the journey of a brash young Native son who learns that to go forward, he has to go back. The show stars Shaun Corbett-Taylor, whose Broadway credits include "In the Heights" and who is now the voice of Coyote in Netflix's new animated series "Spirit Rangers." Separate ticket fees have been set for adults and for students.

To purchase tickets, visit the box office at the Ware Center or in Room 103 of the Student Memorial Center on the Millersville University campus, call the box office at 717-871-7600 or visit http://www.artsmu.com.

The Ware Center gallery exhibits are open during business hours on Mondays to Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with occasional evening and weekend hours. Call the Ware Center front desk at 717-871-7018 for more information.