Two Native American storytellers will bring their art to the Appalachian Forest Discovery Center in Elkins, West Virginia, on an upcoming Saturday. Ana Stahlman, of the Tuscarora nation, and Nizhoni Kennedy, of the Seneca nation, are scheduled to present a series of free programs designed for audiences of all ages.
The day will start with a children’s theater workshop from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. This session, titled “Gifts from the Earth,” will center around the Haudenosaunee Creation Story: Skywoman. Although the class is free for elementary-aged participants, space is limited. Interested families should pre-register by contacting discovery@afnha.org.
At noon, the storytellers will conduct a corn husk doll workshop titled “Beauty has No Face- Corn Husk Dolls.” Participants of all ages will learn about the origins and stories behind the Haudenosaunee corn husk doll tradition and will have the opportunity to create their own.
The afternoon will culminate at 2 p.m. with “We Gather Our Minds to Make One.” This interactive program will feature traditional Haudenosaunee stories and dance, inviting audience participation.
All events will be held on the second floor of the Darden Mill at 101 Railroad Ave., Elkins, WV 26241. Visitors are encouraged to also explore the exhibit “Creating Home: Indigenous Roots and Connections in the Appalachian Forest” on the first floor of the Discovery Center.
Later that evening, the storytelling duo will perform “We Gather Our Minds to Make One” once again, this time at 7:30 p.m. at the Seneca Shadows Campground amphitheater in Seneca Rocks, WV. This evening program is sponsored by the Eastern National Forests Interpretive Association in partnership with American Land & Leisure.
The Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area (AFNHA) promotes the cultural, historic, and natural stories of the 18 counties across West Virginia and western Maryland. This program is part of a series that highlights Indigenous Appalachia, alongside the “Creating Home” exhibit and various Indigenous Voices programs. Support for these initiatives comes from the National Park Foundation and AFNHA, which is a member of the National Heritage Area System. For further details, call 304-636-6182 or visit www.appalachianforestnha.org.
