By Madison Butkus
Hometown Weekly Reporter
Abenaki/Mi’kmaq Tribal member Ray LaChance stopped by the Needham Free Public Library (NFPL) earlier this month for some storytelling and fun craft making. He also brought along some special artifacts for everyone to look at and some instruments to play.
Little ones and their guardians packed the Community Room of the NFPL to participate in this interactive indigenous experience. While looking at all the artifacts, LaChance made sure to answer any and all questions that anyone had. He brought along all handmade items like a bow and arrows, a talking stick, dream catchers, turtle shells, shoes, gloves, baskets, bags, and so much more!
Before officially starting the program, LaChance played two different versions of handcrafted flutes for the little ones. He then explained a little bit about his culture and how times have certainly changed for him and his fellow tribes over the years. As a whole, he mentioned, “The native culture is a beautiful culture. It isn’t just one group, all the way from Georgia up into Maine, there were many different dialects. There is a lot to learn but you have to be careful with the words. The libraries are doing a great job of getting all the very stereotypical books out. And there are a lot of great books for you kids out there to read regarding the culture of the native people.”
It was easy to tell just how much LaChance loves working with children by the way he explained everything and told funny stories that they would laugh at. All in attendance were attentive to everything he had to say, many of which continued to ask questions to better understand the stories/things he explained.
After talking about the indigenous ways of life, it was time for everyone to create some music! All were welcome to grab an instrument that was either made from turtle shells, seashells, or wood. Many were shocked to see that turtle shells could be used as an instrument. This led LaChance to explain that when hunting, native people made sure to not only thank the animals for their sacrifice, but also use every part of the animal for things like instruments, protection, and so on.
The final plan on the agenda was to make necklaces using seashells and beads. Little ones had an array of options to choose from and each necklace came out super unique!
All in all, this interactive indigenous experience proved to be a great success and allowed everyone to learn a little something new about their culture and ways of life. For more information about books your children can read that are about the indigenous people, or events like these, please visit their website at www.needhamlibrary.org.
