Our Indigenous Voices in Appalachia program continues with our next event August 17 featuring storytellers Ana Stahlman and Nizhoni Kennedy. Visit the Appalachian Forest Discovery Center for presentations throughout the day: free and open to the public.
Saturday, Aug 17 – at Appalachian Forest Discovery Center
10:00 – 11:30 am: Children’s Theater Workshop: Gifts from the Earth
An uplifting theater class you won’t forget. Instructors Ana and Nizhoni bring you the class Gifts from the Earth, informing children about the Haudenosaunee Creation Story: Skywoman.
Elementary age. Free but must pre-register (RSVP to discovery@afnha.org).
12 – 1:30 pm: Workshop - Beauty has No Face: Corn Husk Dolls
Ga;jeeh (Come here), and join Ana and Nizhoni for a corn husk doll make and take class with the traditional story behind Haudenesaunee corn husk dolls.
2:00 – 3:00 pm: Presentation: We Gather Our Minds to Make One
Nya:weh Sge:no (I am thankful you are well). Native storytelling by Ana Stahlman (Tuscarora) and Nizhoni Kennedy (Seneca). Our program will include Haudensaunee traditional stories, dancing, and audience engagement.
In the evening, Nizhoni and Ana will present “We Gather Our Minds to Make One” once more, at 7:30 at the Seneca Shadows Campground amphitheater in Seneca Rocks, WV, sponsored by the Eastern National Forests Interpretive Association in partnership with American Land & Leisure in the Monongahela National Forest.
Ana Stahlman
Ana Stahlman has Tuscarora and Tlapanec tribal lineage. Ana has danced, the native american, jingle dress since she was a little girl. As she got older, Ana found the passion for theater and other genres of dance. These components are practices that Ana uses to express and work through the traumas she has endured. Her intent is to share and make creative spaces for people to express their inner emotions through performance art.
Nizhoni Kennedy
Nizhoni Kennedy is a member of the Diné (Navajo) Nation and the Onöndowa’ga’ People (Seneca). Coming from experiences from her community, Nizhoni is dedicated to becoming an advocate for indigenous identity and mental health awareness, while speaking on substance abuse. Today, Nizhoni uses Haudenosaunee and Diné teachings to reconnect herself and guide others back to their roots.
Join us this summer and fall 2024 for more Native exhibits and programs across AFNHA. Contact us if you are doing your own programming related to indigenous history or culture. This program is supported with funding from the National Park Foundation.
