Join the Contra Costa County Library as they celebrate Celebrate Native American Heritage Month with a series of events throughout the county.
In this era of modern technology, there is a need for personal stories: own stories told through own voices, sharing memories and experiences. The earliest forms of storytelling were oral, passed down through generations. This form is most commonly associated with Native Americans. They used storytelling as a way to share their histories, their lessons, their knowledge and understanding of the physical and spiritual worlds. Their voices and stories are essential as we honor Native Americans this November.
Sometimes known as National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month, Native American Heritage Month was designated in 1990 by presidential proclamation. It serves as a time to acknowledge the diverse cultures and abundant traditions of Native people. It offers a chance to learn about Native American history and tribal customs. But most of all, it presents the opportunity to share stories. Native Americans’ stories have been retold through art, cinema, poetry, music, literature, and so much more. Take time this November to indulge in a new story.
- Nov 14 – An Evening With Cafe Ohlone (Walnut Creek): In celebration of Native American Heritage Month, come enjoy an evening with Cafe Ohlone cofounders Vincent Medina and Louis Trevino as they discuss Ohlone culture past and present and the role that Ohlone food plays in today’s East Bay culture.
- Nov 16 – Indigenous Tales and Songs with Storyteller Alicia Mary (El Sobrante): Join us in celebrating Native American Heritage at the El Sobrante Library! Storyteller Alicia Mary Retes shares interactive indigenous tales and songs for all ages! Enjoy original and traditional plant people stories. Experience hand crafted corn husk story characters and rhythm instruments. Alicia’s tales and songs promote compassion, cooperation, diversity, and respect for self, others, elders, and the Earth herself as a living being.
- Nov 22 – Native American Stories & Corn Husk Doll Workshop (Concord): Join us as we celebrate National Native American Heritage Month. Our special guest, Rayshell Clapper will retell us Native American stories then, we all learn how to make corn husk dolls. You will have the opportunity to take seeds from our seed library to make your own Three Sisters garden at home. No registration required. Materials available while supplies last.
- Nov 22 – STEAM Builders – Take & Make Craft (Antioch): This month we will offer a take & make pollinator craft based on the traditional agricultural practices of gardening by Indigenous Americans in honor of Native American Heritage Month. Save your creation and bring it to Alicia Retes’ storytelling event at the Antioch Library on Wednesday, December 13 at 2:30 p.m. for a special interactive presentation! STEAM Builders is designed for children ages 6-12 years old. This program provides educational toys and activities designed to improve fine motor skills, support problem-solving, and build confidence in the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) fields. A creative space to play and learn freely!
- Nov 28 – Indigenous Tales and Songs with Storyteller Alicia Mary Retes (Pinole): Join us for an interactive performance by storyteller Alicia Retes in her retelling of The Three Sisters – Corn, Bean, and Squash. Alicia’s stories promote diversity, peaceful relations, and prosperity for all and are geared toward children ages 5 and older and their adult caregivers. Inspired by many legends of The Three Sisters – Corn, Bean and Squash, Alicia Retes’ engaging Pan-American adaption includes colorful corn husk characters who reveal their Central and South America origins. This program is in celebration of Native American Heritage Month and made possible by the Friends of the Pinole Library.
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Celebrate the importance of stories. Celebrate your heritage and your history. Celebrate Native American Heritage Month.
