Join us in the Great Hall on Sunday November 19 for an afternoon with Master Storyteller & Cultural Educator, Perry Ground!
Perry Ground is a Turtle Clan member of the Onondaga Nation of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy. He has been a storyteller and educator for more than 25 years and enjoys teaching people of all ages about the history and culture of Native Peoples. His presentations are inclusive, engaging, and filled with cultural and historical information that audiences young and old will enjoy.
Re-thinking Thanksgiving – A Native American Perspective on an American Holiday
12:30 pm – 2:00 pm
Presentation best for 4th grade – adult
This lively presentation gives an overview of the history of this misunderstood holiday, and is based on the only primary source document that chronicles the “First Thanksgiving”. Through an engaging quiz-style presentation, audience members learn accurate and culturally appropriate information about the English settlers at Plymouth and the Wampanoag, the Native people who inhabited that area. Perry discusses the actual events of 1621 in Plymouth, the relationship between the English settlers and the Wampanoag, and how this story became the holiday we know today. The concept of Thanksgiving held by many Native Americans will be emphasized throughout. Although the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) were not present in Plymouth in 1621, connections to their concepts of Thanksgiving will be discussed so audience members can better understand how Native People view Thanksgiving today.
Stories from the People of the Longhouse
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Appealing to all ages!
This Storytelling presentation is filled with traditional Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) legends that have been told for hundreds of years. These stories teach about the beliefs, customs, and history of the Haudenosaunee people and continue to be an important part of Haudenosaunee culture. The Storyteller will bring the stories to life through vivid descriptions, his rhythmic voice, and a VERY active stage presence! These stories become interactive as Perry includes volunteer audience members in the stories. This program is also filled with historical information, discussion about the art of storytelling, other elements of Haudenosaunee culture and LOTS of humor. Audiences young and old will find this presentation captivating, highly entertaining, and very educational.
These programs are FREE and open to the public.
MVEDD Small Business Workshop 2023
