Visit the Museum of the Cherokee Indian on Saturday, Jan. 14 for a day of fun activities celebrating Cherokee traditions. The Museum is offering a day of activities free of charge to the public, sponsored by the North Carolina Arts Council and the Museum. Activities are suitable for all ages and will be happening from 11am – 5pm.
This is the first in a year-long series that will offer free cultural activities on the second Saturday of every month, each with a different theme. January is the “Windy Month” in Cherokee, Dunolvtani. Workshops this month will include flute playing, blowgun shooting, and storytelling, all activities that involve breath. All presenters are EBCI tribal members.
While his competition prepares their darts, EBCI tribal member Sonny Ledford (center) shoots during a past Cherokee Indian Fair’s blowgun competition. Ledford will be leading a blowgun workshop during the Jan. 14 Cherokee Heritage Day event at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian. (DAWN ARNEACH/One Feather contributor)
“We hope that people will come and bring their families to enjoy the day and learn a little more about Cherokee culture,” said Barbara R. Duncan, education director at the Museum. “They can meet Cherokee people who know a lot about their traditions, who really enjoy talking with visitors.” The day provides hands-on activities, demonstrations, and will end with sessions of traditional dance and storytelling. If you would like to bring a group to the event, please contact bduncan@cherokeemuseum.org.
Workshops on flute playing, blowgun shooting, and traditional dance will happen throughout the day. At 11am, kids (and grown-ups) can learn about flute playing in a workshop with Jarrett Wildcatt. Participants can bring their own flutes, purchase one in the Museum store, or borrow one (available for the first ten participants.) This workshop will be repeated at 1pm.
At noon, Sonny Ledford will teach kids and adults how to shoot the blowgun. The workshop will end with a blowgun contest. Participants can bring their own blowguns, purchase one in the Museum store, or borrow one (available for the first ten participants.) The workshop will be repeated at 2pm. Traditional Cherokee dances will be presented from 3-4pm, led by the Cherokee Friends with audience participation. Cherokee Friends’ activities are made possible by a grant from the Cherokee Preservation Foundation.
EBCI Beloved Man Jerry Wolfe will be available throughout the day to talk with visitors. He will demonstrate carving stickball sticks in the Lobby throughout the day. At 1pm, he will tell stories in the Multipurpose Room.
A Storytelling Extravaganza ends the day at 4pm. Outstanding storytellers from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians include Lloyd Arneach, Kathy Littlejohn, and Matthew Tooni. Arneach has told stories at the Kennedy Center, National Storytelling Center, and throughout the country. Littlejohn and Tooni are also known as master storytellers. Their books and CDs will be available.
Info: 497-3481 or visit www.cherokeemuseum.org
– Musuem of the Cherokee Indian
