Native American Skills Demonstration

Wednesday, October 5th, 7:00 p.m.
Grades 1+, Teens, Families, Adults
Library Auditorium

Please join us in celebrating Indigenous People’s Day (10/10) with Barry Keegan. Mr. Keegan will be demonstrating real Native American skills such as how to use and make stone tools, how to catch wood shavings, and how to create cord from local plants. This program is open to all and will be held in the auditorium. Families are encouraged to participate and no registration is required.

About Barry Keegan
Barry Keegan, who will be demonstrating Lenape technologies, has been creating historical replicas and teaching the skills of material culture of local First Peoples' culture since 1991. His educational programs include the early life, technologies and crafts of the Native American people who lived along the Hudson River Valley from 12,000 years ago. His demonstrations include survival technologies such as bows, arrows, atlatls and darts, animal and fish traps, fish spears, animal hide and fur clothing, and more.

In addition, Barry Keegan has been filmed by the History Channel for a show titled “Mystery Quest: the Stonehenge Archer.”

Helpful Websites:

Recommended Reading:

When the Shadbush Blooms by Carla Messinger
Library Collection: Print
Libby: eBook
“A multigenerational tale unfolds through rich acrylic scenes painted on double-page spreads, upon which the left page shows a family’s great-great-grandparents engaged in activities with their children that mirror those unfolding during the present day on the right. An entire year is depicted, with time marked as the Lenape traditionally have observed it—through telling shifts in nature, such as the “Grass and Geese Moon” and the “Heartberry Moon,” and through activities the Lenape people associate with specific times of year, as with the “Planting Moon” and the “Moon of Roasting Ears of Corn.” The seamless integration of the past with the present gently but powerfully shows the enduring power of tradition and history, while also highlighting the cyclical aspect of nature. Informative back matter provides more detail on the Lenni Lenape people, seasons, and culture. A lovely, enriching offering.”–Native American Heritage Program

Sisters of the Neversea by Cynthia Letich Smith
Library Collection: Print
Libby: eBook

“In this retelling, the Roberts-Darlings are a blended family living in present-day Tulsa, Oklahoma. Twelve-year-old stepsisters Lily and Wendy share a half brother, 4-year-old Michael; recent high school graduate John is Lily’s brother and Wendy’s stepbrother; the Roberts side of the family is Muscogee Creek; and the Darlings are White immigrants from England. Shortly before Wendy and Mr. Darling are to relocate—amid growing marital tension—to New York for his new job, the three youngest children are visited by Peter Pan and Belle the fairy. Wendy and Michael are deceived into flying away with them to Neverland; skeptical Lily follows in hopes of saving her siblings. Wendy and Michael are taken in by the Lost, who are White boys kidnapped by Peter. Lily, meanwhile, is rescued by a group of Native youth—derided by Peter as Injuns—who are diverse in tribal citizenship, race, and other identities (one, for example, is two-spirit). Neverland, populated with Merfolk, fairies, and pirates, is richly described. Short chapters, plenty of action, and the wry voice of the omniscient narrator help make this title, with its themes of gender equity, Native pride, and environmentalism, accessible. The poignant dislocation of the Lost and the fierce familial love of the stepsisters illustrate the importance of remembering where you come from and to whom you belong.”–Kirkus Review

Categories: Library News.

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