The Museum of the Cherokee Indian will offer free programs and special workshops to the public in November to celebrate Native American Heritage Month.
“We hope that people will come out to learn more about our culture, meet Cherokee people, and have fun,” said Bo Taylor, Museum executive director.
All programs and workshops will be conducted by members of the EBCI tribal members.
Free programs include storytelling, arts and crafts demonstrations, and primitive skills desmonstrations. All ages are welcome. Every Friday afternoon from 1-2pm, Jerry Wolfe, EBCI Beloved Man, will tell stories in the Education Wing. Every Wednesday and Saturday afternoon, Cherokee Friends, who are cultural specialists, will talk with visitors, will demonstrate arts and crafts in the Museum Lobby and outside, and will share ancient skills, weather permitting. These include making fire with bow drill and friction; the blowgun; the atlatl, and the chunkey game.
Workshops will include Cherokee traditional arts: pottery, flint knapping, dance and storytelling, places and legends, and ancient skills of making fire, throwing the atlatl, using the blowgun, playing the butterbean game and the chunkey game. Instructors are all experienced in their art form and in working with the public, providing a unique opportunity for the public to interact with master Cherokee artists.
SCHEDULE:
Nov. 7, from 1-4 pm – Flintknapping with Davy Arch, and Pottery with Bernadine George
Nov. 14, from 1-3 pm – Flute, Storytelling, and Dance with the Cherokee Friends
Nov. 21, from 1-5 pm – Cherokee Heritage Trails–Qualla Boundary and Blue Ridge Parkway Tours with Mike Littlejohn, certified trail guide
Nov. 28, from 1-4 pm – Ancient Skills: learn fire making, atlatl, blowgun, chunkey game with Cherokee Friends
Workshop size is limited and participants should sign up in advance. Each workshop costs $20 for adults and $10 for children 6-13. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Museum members at the Friend level and above receive a 20 percent discount. EBCI tribal members are free with an enrollment card. To register, contact the Museum Store 497-3481 ext. 208.
Info: Ethan Clapsaddle, Museum program specialist, 497-3481 ext. 300 or www.cherokeemuseum.org.
– Museum of the Cherokee Indian
