Current Activities

December 2015

November 2015

Mark and Sherry went to New Orleans in mid-November to take part in the National Council for the Social Studies annual conference.  The Indigenous Education community, which Mark chairs, offered a half-day clinic on federal Indian policy.  The clinic ended with a stop at the Andrew Jackson statue in Jackson Square.

On Tuesday November 3rd, Mark and Sherry presented "Entering the Sacred Circle" powwow presentation to the residents at Regency Retirement Village in Morristown.  As always visiting with the folks there was a treat.  Hopefully many of them will be able to join us at next year's powwow.


Throughout the month of November, Sherry made presentations to fourth grade classes in Jefferson County Schools.  Fourth grade students learn about the Cherokee people in their social studies classes.  The blowgun and the coyote hide are two of the students favorite artifacts that are shared.  


October 2015

September 2015
August 2015
On August 14th, Mark and Sherry helped lead a tour of 7th and 8th graders from White Pine School to Cherokee, NC, for a field trip to learn about Cherokee history and culture.  The first stop of the day was the Oconaluftee Indian Village, followed by a picnic lunch.  A highlight of the afternoon was meeting with Micah Swimmer at the Kituwah Mound.  That evening the group enjoyed a Cherokee dinner hosted by the NAIWA chapter and a performance of the outdoor drama, "Unto These Hills."

The 8th annual Spirit of Nations Powwow moved to a new location this year - Patriot Academy in Jefferson City.  With the support of the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce, along with local businesses, the school system, and our radio and newspaper friends, we were able to pull off what may be the best powwow yet!  Attendance surpassed 1,000, higher than any of our Knoxville events previuosly.  Plans are underway for next year.

July 2015

The only event during July was a Native wedding ceremony for Bear and Sharlene Brooks.  It was a good time and they make a cute, happy couple!
June 2015
June 27th at James White's Fort in Knoxville saw another very good crowd on hand for the Treaty of the Holston event. Matthew Tooni shared flute music and Robert Eldridge told stories.  The traditional Cherokee dancing was lots of fun and the treaty signing was on of the best ever.  Matthew is a force to be reckoned with!  So's Nikki.  To find out what that means, join us next year!

Tuesday, June 9th, was a big day for teachers in Tennessee as Bill Carey and Tennessee History for Kids (with some help from the Tennessee Council for the Social Studies) presented the first "Tennessee History Tent Revival" at the Nashville Public Library.  Along with many other knowledgeable presenters and worthwhile sessions, Mark and Sherry shared two programs.  The first session was on Cherokee culture and the second was on The Trail of Tears.  Both topics are included in the new Tennessee standards for fourth grade, with the Trail of Tears being taught in eighth grade. Access to lots of good resources were made available to the teachers too.
May 2015

The weekend of May 30th-31st was the 25th anniversary of the Native American Festival at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area in Elizabethton, TN.  Mark and Sherry decorated one of the cabins in the fort to represent a Cherokee home of the late 18th century.  Sherry cooked in the fireplace as many guests came through.  Bear Brooks and Sharlene Adams set up camp outside the fort to demonstrate making bows and moccasins.  Nikki and Anthony Crisp had their frybread booth going, while Nikki also came in and danced in the grand entries.  Freeman Owle was the featured storyteller and also did a language class on Sunday.

On Saturday, May 23rd, Mark and Sherry spent the day at Marble Springs in recognition of Statehood Day, which is June 1st.  A blanket under a shade tree was a good location to talk with the guests and gave Sherry a chance to work on Mark's new moccasins.

May 7th was Mark and Sherry's 22nd anniversary.  There were two weddings that day, one at church in the afternoon and one at the powwow that night!
April 2015

Mark and Sherry spent Saturday, April 18, at the Frontier Muster and Trade Fair, held at Natural Tunnel State Park in Duffield, VA.  Sherry did a demonstration of Cherokee cooking for a very interested audience.  Saturday night featured storytelling around the campfire.  Rainy weather cancelled the outdoor activities for Sunday, but the church service was moved inside and went ahead as usual.

Indian Creek Productions, Inc., sponsored a $100 prize for the best project with an American Indian theme at the state level competition for National History Day.

March 2015
Indian Creek Productions, Inc., sponsored a $100 prize for the best project with an American Indian theme at the district competition for National History Day.
February 2015
With the cold and snowy weather this month, much of our time was spent inside.  Sherry sewed my new pair of braintanned leggings, however.  It is exciting to have a pair of leggings that I've tanned myself.
January 2015
No activities were scheduled this month.




 
 

Back