History Lessons are not Misery Lessons

When I was younger, history was boring. Sitting in a classroom full of my peers listening to the teacher drone on about some event that happened eons ago. Read, memorize, and regurgitate the information onto an exam in hopes of expanded my knowledge base. I retained little and felt empty after the school year had ended. As a homeschool mom, I absolutely did not want that same experience transferring to my children. I wanted them to have something to hold on to. Something that would encourage them to continue learning about their history and to gain a better understanding of the cultures that existed (and still exist) in their world today. 

Faced with a powerful arsenal of tools (friends and resources), I was able to introduce the kids Native American History Unit Study with a wonderful experience. Over the weekend, we attended the 6th Annual Turtle Island Native American Association Pow Wow. 

Wow! I had never seen the regalia, heard the drums, or smelled the fragrant aroma of burning sage, sweetgrass, and lavender, or felt the true closeness of the Native American Heritage as I was able to do with my children at this wonderful event. Where in the world could you expect to find all of these things, and then some? I am forever thankful for my friend and neighbor, who without her, we would not have known about the pow wow. 

The children were in awe (as was their father and I) at the rituals, the invocations, and the dancing. The drums really made you feel alive inside. The Native American singing was beautiful and the kindred spirit everyone seemed to share was entirely surreal. Once we arrived back home, my neighbor and I were discussing the day, and she brought something to my attention. Trust. Nearly everywhere you looked, people had cell phones or other recording devices. In my neck of the woods, you wouldn't dare set anything down that you wanted to keep. But the Pow Wow was different. People would leave their chairs, their phones, and I even seen a set of keys being left behind while the attendees visited the vendors who were there selling their goods. Likewise, the vendors seemed to be unaffected by the number of people walking through their booths, inspecting the goods they had to offer, or by the children who seemed to wander aimlessly through. 

Amidst the aroma of burning herbs, the enticing aroma of frybread (a Native recipe, which varies among different tribal nations) was certainly enough to make any dieter change their eating habits for the day! 

You can view our slide show of photos by clicking on the pictures link below. ​Be sure to watch our videos, too! 

Pictures Link

Aztec Dancers#turtleislandpowwow2015

Posted by Rodney Evans on Sunday, October 4, 2015

The Aztec Dancers were absolutely amazing!

"Sneak Up Dance"#turtleislandpowwow2015Courtesy of Rena Taylor.

Posted by Rodney Evans on Sunday, October 4, 2015

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The Sneak Up Dance, as taught in Native American cultures provided a way for the elders to teach the younger males how to sneak up on their prey.

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"Candy Dance" #turtleislandpowwow2015Courtesy of Rena Taylor

Posted by Rodney Evans on Sunday, October 4, 2015

For the younger attendees, what better way to sate their sweet tooth than dancing for candy! 

From one momma to another, engage yourself and your children in getting out there. We are so worried about preparing the future of our nation with the 'great big world' out there -- experience it with them!

Until next time, 
​LaVonda