IAIA Museum will be bustling with storytelling performances and art activities for children and families on Saturday, May 17 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
During the Stories from Our Elders: Native American Storytelling Festival, visitors will learn about indigenous culture and history through the vibrant culture-based model of storytelling.
Festival performers represent tribes located in diverse areas throughout North America. Museum Director, Joseph Sanchez emphasizes, "It is not often that local residents have the opportunity to hear a number of first-rate Native storytellers from such a wide variety of regions."
The inter-tribal aspect of this program also helps to create respect for one another's cultural backgrounds and makes it possible to see the different styles of storytelling practices."
For example, Chuna McIntyre (Central Yup'ik Eskimo) was born and raised in the Southwestern Alaskan village of Eek that is on the shores of the Bering Sea. McIntyre's performance will focus on stories, song and dance of the Central Yup'ik Eskimo. Lakota storyteller, C.J. Brafford, will address Plains Indian sign language and children's games. Stephen Fadden will relate stories from the Northeast, focusing on his Mohawk heritage. Fadden is an educator, musician, storyteller, and actor and is currently the National Endowment for the Humanities Scholar in Residence at the Institute of American Indian Arts. The Museum will also feature storytellers from the Southeast and Southwest regions.
If You Go
What: Stories from Our Elders: Native American Storytelling Festival
When: Saturday, May 17 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: IAIA Museum, 108 Cathedral Place
Admission: Free to Public
