Thank you to everyone who came out for Slices and Stories. We loved having Patrick here at the Library.
The Down To Earth Dad® Founder Patrick Mitchell is a thought leader and trusted authority on father involvement, and on oral storytelling to enhance literacy and build capacity to celebrate individual, family, and community history, heritage, and culture. The Down to Earth Dad – Family Engagement and Head Start Keynotes and Workshops
A land acknowledgment is a traditional custom in many Native communities and nations to show respect to the people of the land since time immemorial. The importance of land acknowledgments for non-indigenous individuals and communities relies on the recognition of their relationship to the original inhabitants of a location and to the land. Furthermore, it is a way to show respect and gratitude to the traditional stewards of a specific location, while recognizing that colonialism is still an ongoing process.
During our programs we have taken a moment of silence in which the students can reflect on the land, and the shelter and peace in which our teepees provide. Today, I invite you to share in that moment with us.
We recognize that Donnelly Library sits on the ancestral land of the Nimiipuu Tribe. This land was and continues to be of great importance to the Nimiipuu people. Consistent with our values of community and inclusion, we have a responsibility to acknowledge, honor and make visible the Library’s relationship to Native peoples. Today and tomorrow and every day to come we will continue to honor the Nez Perce Tribe.
We further acknowledge that Long Valley was a summer resting ground and we to must continue to seek rest in the Valley.
Today we honor all of the tribes that chose this Valley as a place of rest. Shoshone-Bannock, Cayuse, and Northern Paiutes, and the NezPerce.
Today, in your story telling we encourage you to have fun and be creative but please take a moment and remember that story telling is also how we preserve the past. Storytelling is how we tell the history of our land and our ancestors. One of our favorite things is to read the stories of the Nez Perce Tribe. The stories are what connect us.
Join us at Donnelly Public Library on Thursday, September 22nd for Family Storytelling Night with special guest Patrick Mitchell of Down To Earth Dad! This evening of food, family, and fun will be all about learning how oral storytelling (no books involved!) promotes early literacy and strengthens family bonds.