The
League of Women Voters Park Rapids Area in partnership with the Park
Rapids Area Library is organizing a series of events honoring Native
American Heritage Month (November) at both Northwoods bank and the
Public Library.
The first event will be Tuesday November 7th. We have invited Michael Meuers for a presentation on the Bemidji Ojibwe Language Project.
We
will host the event at Northwoods Bank. Cream of Wild Rice Soup and fry
bread will be served during the social time from 5 - 5:30, with the
program beginning at 5:30. Mr. Meuers will speak about the bilingual
signage program initiated in Bemidji. A question and answer time will
follow the presentation.
Meuers
has worked in public relations with the Red Lake Band of Chippewa
Indians for nearly a quarter century. During this time he spearheaded
the Ojibwe Language project in Bemidji, MN, which was recently
recognized (Fall 2016) by National Geographic for: “… support in
sustaining and enhancing the unique geographic character of the region…”
Meuers authored a book in December 2016 entitled ROAD TO PONEMAH: The Teachings of Larry Stillday. Stillday
was a well-known spiritual leader, healer and teacher from Red Lake
Nation who touched many Ojibwe people in northern Minnesota. His words
and teachings not only impacted the Native population, but people from
all walks of life. He inspired thousands with his teachings about living
in harmony, not only with each other, but also with nature. He passed
on in May 2014, but his message survives. Meuers was honored with a
spirit name, (Biidaanakwad Izhinikaazo- Gathering Cloud), by Stillday.
Look
for more information on upcoming events during November including an
Anishinaabe Heritage Festival Saturday, November 18, and an interactive
art class in which youth from Pine Point School will teach participants
how to make Dream-catchers on Thursday Nov. 30th.
If you have any questions about LWVPRA activities, events or on how to join LWVPRA (not for women only), email lwvparkrapids@lwvmn.org. Follow our activities, events on our website: http://lwvparkrapidsarea.
For more information on the Objiwe Language Project in Bemidji: Click Here
For more information on the Objiwe Language Project in Bemidji: Click Here
“It’s
not about Indians, it’s about People... The overall philosophy is to
reconnect all people to nature and inevitably to themselves.” ~Larry Stillday
