Learn the comic book business from published authors, hear Joy Harjo read her children’s book and participate in authentic American Indian storytelling.
Each March, Tulsa City-County Library celebrates the achievements of the American Indian culture. By providing a variety of programs from nationally-recognized performers, families see first-hand the contributions of American Indians. All Tulsa City-County Library programs are free and open to the public.
Events scheduled during the month include:
“American Indian Circle of Honor Award Honoring Ruthe Blalock Jones” March 1, 10:30 a.m. Hardesty Regional Library, Connor’s Cove, 8316 E. 93rd St. TCCL will induct artist Ruthe Blalock Jones into the Circle of Honor. The ceremony recognizes an American Indian for his/her achievement and contributions that have enriched others’ lives. Jones, of Shawnee-Delaware-Peoria descent, is director emeritus and associate professor of art at Bacone College. Her works focus on the traditional American Indian ceremonial and social events. Sponsored by the Tulsa Library Trust, American Indian Resource Center, the Maxine and Jack Zarrow Family Foundation, Cherokee Builders Inc., Dr. Frank and Mary Shaw, and the Friends of the Tulsa City-County Libraries, with additional support provided by the Mary K. Chapman Foundation and George Kaiser Family Foundation.
“Become a Comic-Book Creator @ Your Library” March 6, 6-7:30 p.m. Zarrow Regional Library, 2224 W. 51st St. Learn the basics of drawing and putting together a comic book, plus take home a copy of your very own mini comic book. Sponsored by the American Indian Resource Center and Tulsa Library Trust.
“Native Comic-Book Workshop: Featuring Roy Boney (Cherokee), Lee Francis IV (Laguna Pueblo), Michael Sheyahshe (Caddo) and Arigon Star (Kickapoo)” March 8, 12:30-3:30 p.m. Martin Regional Library, 2601 S. Garnett Road. Join the members of the Indigenous Narrative Collective as they discuss ways in which comics and sequential art are redefining American Indian stories for the next generation. Plus, learn from their collective experience about the joys and pitfalls of creating successful comic-book projects either online or in print. Sponsored by the Tulsa Library Trust and American Indian Resource Center.
“Storytelling with MAHENWAHDOSE” March 18, 2:30 p.m. Helmerich Library, 5131 E. 91st St. Enjoy the lively tradition of storytelling with Will Hill of MAHENWAHDOSE. Sponsored by the Tulsa Library Trust and American Indian Resource Center.
“Stay and Play Storytime with Joy Harjo” March 19, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Zarrow Regional Library. Enjoy this special storytime as families listen to Joy Harjo read her book “The Good Luck Cat.” Sponsored by the Tulsa Library Trust and American Indian Resource Center.
“Dancing Eagles” March 20, 1 p.m. University Village Retirement Community, Stovall Theater, 8555 S. Lewis. Mike and Lisa Pahsetopah will perform spectacular Native American dances and traditional storytelling. Sponsored by the American Indian Resource Center, the Tulsa Library Trust and the Friends of the Tulsa City-County Libraries.
“Cherokee Pottery” March 29, Grades 1-4: 10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.; Grades 5-7: 2-3:30 p.m., South Broken Arrow Library, 3600 S. Chestnut. Join Cherokee pottery Crystal Hanna for native stories and a hands-on pottery workshop. Sponsored by the Tulsa Library Trust and American Indian Resource Center.
The American Indian Resource Center, located at the Zarrow Regional Library, 2224 W. 51st St., provides educational and informational resources, activities and services honoring American Indian heritage, arts and achievements. The center also provides access to more than 4,000 books and media for adults and children by and about American Indians, including historical and rare materials, new releases, videos and music CDs.
Recent additions to the collection include native-language printed materials and CDs for independent learning. The goal of this collection is to promote, revitalize and preserve our country’s native languages.
For more information on the Circle of Honor ceremony and related programming, call the AskUs Hotline, 918-549-7323, or visit the library’s website, http://tulsalibrary.org./airc.
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