fbpx

Series One, Program One: The Sacred Earth*

Introduction:

Elder Wisdom Feature: N. Scott Momaday:

Barbara Roberts features Pulitzer Prize winning author and poet, N. Scott Momaday who shares narrative, storytelling and poetry. The program explores the landscape of Momaday's childhood in Oklahoma which helped him develop a deep affinity for Kiowa sacred ground. The program also includes mention of the Kiowa Gourd Dance society and a reading of the Navajo Night Chant.

 

Health and Healing:

Judy Bluehorse Skelton discusses indigenous ways of developing a relationship with the plant world and native herbalists' lifetime commitment to herbal medicine.Health and Healing

 

Tribal Rhythms:

Nico Wind shares the origin and relevant music segues from the Kiowa Gourd Dance Society, including the story of a warrior's encounter with a red wolf. She tells the story of how the warrior was taught songs and dance and instructed to use them to honor Kiowa warriors for bravery and deeds in battle.

 

Taheebvu Chadi:

Song carrier Judy Trejo shares stories of her lineage as a Northern Paiute and Pitt River Indian, her ability as a child to heal wild pets, and her relationship with her great grandmother who was a healer.

 

Turtle Island Storytellers:

Mary Louise Defender Wilson tells the Dakota legend of the old woman who lives in the sacred earth in an ancient cave with her dog. At the end of her story, she discusses the importance of storytelling to younger generations, "that each generation will carry something from the previous one, that will make them become more civilized and more high-minded and able to be kind, gentle and helpful to each other."

 

*Segment transcripts and participant biographies can be found on the Wisdom of the Elders Web site.