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Canku Ota |
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(Many Paths) |
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An Online Newsletter Celebrating Native America |
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March 24, 2001 - Issue 32 |
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A Blessing for the Kids |
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by Kate Reardon Everett Herald Writer |
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Interactive exhibit gives kids feel for Indian life |
 EVERETT --
Climb into the authentic American Indian canoe and imagine paddling through the waters of Puget Sound. Hear children from the Tulalip Tribes singing songs in the Lushootseed language. Smell the subtle waft of cedar used for basket making. Touch and play the hand-held drum. You can see and do all that and more at the new American Indian exhibit at the Children's Museum of Snohomish County at 3013 Colby Ave. in Everett. The exhibit, which will be open for 18 months, is interactive, allowing children to climb into a small canoe, pound a drum and even create their own native art on light boards. Regalia, baskets and a button blanket decorate the walls. It's at a level that kids can understand, said Sara Scott, education development coordinator for the museum. On Wednesday, tribal members visited the museum to bless the new exhibit. A prayer and songs attracted some of the museum's young visitors to the display. Children sat in the canoe listening to the drum and singers perform a tribal welcome song and later a song used during travels. Tony Hatch, a Tulalip Tribal member, said he's excited about the exhibit. "I think they will get a lot out of this," said Hatch, who teaches the Lushootseed language at Marysville-Pilchuck High School and Heritage High School. "They'll hear the little kids singing and maybe learn a song." A tape of children singing plays in the exhibit room. "I think it's very fun for children to hear the language," said Nancy Johnson, director of the museum. Members from the Tulalip Tribes helped develop the concept for the display, Scott said. Many of the items on display are on loan from the Tulalips. The tribes donated $5,000 Wednesday to the museum. And one of the first donations the children's museum received at its inception was from the tribes. "The Tulalip Tribes are really a part of our community," Johnson said. "One of the things we want to do is allow children to learn unique things about cultures." The Native American display, which was about eight months in the making, joins a Japanese exhibit to help teach children about various cultures. The museum is a nonprofit organization dedicated to making children's lives better by creating a place where they can learn. Tulalip Chairman Stan Jones said he hopes the exhibit breaks down stereotypes. "Even a lot of grown-ups think all Indians lived in tepees," Jones said. You can call Herald Writer Kate Reardon at 425-339-3455 or send e-mail to reardon@heraldnet.com . |
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Children's Museum of Snohomish County |
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The Lushootseed Peoples of Puget
Sound Country |
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Tulalip Tribes |
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| Canku Ota is a free Newsletter celebrating Native America, its traditions and accomplishments . We do not provide subscriber or visitor names to anyone. Some articles presented in Canku Ota may contain copyright material. We have received appropriate permissions for republishing any articles. Material appearing here is distributed without profit or monetary gain to those who have expressed an interest. This is in accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. section 107. | ||
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Canku Ota is a copyright © 2000, 2001 of Vicki Lockard and Paul Barry. |
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The "Canku Ota - A Newsletter Celebrating Native America" web site and its design is the |
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Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2001 of Paul C. Barry. |
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All Rights Reserved. |
