Joe Bruchac: Storyteller

Is it too early to think about November? No! Mark your calendar now so you won’t forget to come on Saturday, November 2, 1-2:30 pm, to hear well-known storyteller and author Joseph Bruchac. His books and stories reflect his Abenaki roots and his lifelong interest in American Indian histories and cultures. Most of Joe's books are based on Native traditional teachings, and many of his stories are ones he’s learned from the elders. His enthusiastic storytelling is amazing; you “see” the animals, people, and events in his stories. Joining him to tell a story or two, are local storytellers, Trudie Lamb Richmond (Schaghticoke) and Candyce Testa (Pequot). Free with Museum admission, free to Museum members.

Tim Tingle appearing at Connecticut College

Choctaw storyteller and author Tim Tingle is appearing at the 30th Annual Connecticut Storytelling Festival & Conference, held from April 29 – May 1, 2011, at Connecticut College in New London, CT. He is a wonderful storyteller who engages everyone from the moment he opens his mouth, so this is a great opportunity to hear him. Please visit www.connstorycenter.org/festival.htm for more information.

In 2007, Tim Tingle and Cherokee artist Jeanne Rorex Bridges visited the Museum to discuss how they worked together in creating their multi-award winning book, Crossing Bok Chitto: A Choctaw Tale of Friendship & Freedom. Tim returned the next summer to tell stories during the Museum’s 10th Anniversary Celebration. His new book, Saltypie: A Choctaw Journey from Darkness into Light, is illustrated by Karen Clarkson (Choctaw) and has been named a 2011 Notable Children’s Book by the American Library Association. It’s one of his family’s stories about why they say “saltypie” when dealing with trouble, and how they have endured and supported each other through hard times. In the afterword, Tim Tingle helps readers understand about stereotypes and gives suggestions on how to educate children about American Indians in today’s world.

Saltypie: A Choctaw Journey from Darkness into Light, published in 2010 by Cinco Puntos Press.