Winter is storytelling season for many Native American communities. To celebrate this tradition, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian offers a unique array of programs, including a storytelling festival during which a new totem pole will be unveiled, and the Power of Chocolate Festival that highlights the indigenous history of chocolate.
On Tuesday, Jan. 3, the museum welcomes Tsimshian carver David Boxley and his son, David Robert, who are traveling from Washington state with a specially commissioned 22-foot totem pole for the museum’s Potomac Atrium. From Jan. 4 through Jan. 11, Boxley and his son will complete and paint the totem pole as artists-in-residence, inviting visitors to watch and learn about the carving tradition and the story that their newest creation illustrates, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily.
The Native Storytelling Festival kicks off with the official unveiling of the totem pole during an honor ceremony Saturday, Jan. 14, at noon, followed by a performance of the Git-Hoan (“People of the Salmon”), a traditional dance group led by Boxley and composed of dancers from the three main tribes of southeast Alaska: the Tsimshian, Haida and Tlingit.
That same weekend as part of the Native Storytelling Festival, Quileute elder Chris Morganroth delivers traditional tribal stories geared towards families and children to celebrate the opening of the museum’s exhibition, “Behind the Scenes: The Real Story of the Quileute Wolves,” which explores the contemporary culture and heritage of the Quileute people of Washington state as a counterpoint to the supernatural storyline of the popular Twilight series.
On Sunday, Jan. 15, the festival continues with students from the St. Labre Indian School in Montana, who will perform powwow-style dances and drumming at noon in the museum’s Potomac Atrium. Under the guidance of Benjamin Headswift, the group’s dances reflect both the Crow and Northern Cheyenne cultures. Students will perform the Grass Dance, the Crow Hop and several others that reflect their rich cultural heritage.
On Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 11 and 12, visitors can delight in the rich history of one of the world’s favorite flavors at the annual Power of Chocolate Festival. They can taste free samples from The Historic Division of Mars and the museum’s Zagat-rated Mitsitam Cafe (while supplies last), and learn about the fascinating history and surprising health benefits of cacao during food demonstrations and lectures. Hands-on workshops and activities for families will also be offered.
For more details, visit www.AmericanIndian.si.edu/calendar.
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SI-548A-2011
