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Native American Thanksgiving: Abenaki Heritage

Date: October 24, 2015 | 3p.m. - 8p.m.
Ages: 7-14
Cost: $25
Location: Grafton Ponds Outdoor Center (783 Townsend Road)

We will explore Abenaki traditions, beliefs and the Abenaki relationship to the natural world. Youth will discover what tools, skills and resources were needed by the Abenaki native people of Vermont. We will also learn fire-building techniques and safe fire skills. a Participants in Abenaki Heritage are also included in Native American Thanksgiving: The Circle of Giving and Receiving at no extra cost. 

Registration is full. Contact Kimberly O'Connor, Director of Education, (kimberly@nature-museum, 843-2111) if you would like to be placed on the waiting list for this program.

More Details

Space is limited and everyone is encouraged to register early. Parents are welcome to join their children for Abenaki Heritage at no additional cost. They must, however, register separately for “Native American Thanksgiving: The Circle of Giving and Receiving”. All participants should wear warm outdoor clothes, sturdy footwear and bring a bagged dinner and drink. This event will happen rain or shine. A medical emergency form is necessary for all participants. We will have dinner together before the evening portion of the program. Please pack a bagged dinner and something to drink. 

Day's Schedule

2:30-3:00 p.m.
Check in
3-5 p.m.
Abenaki and Nature Program including lessons about home life, food prep & foraging, hunting and fishing along with Native American stories.  Time outside playing skill building games while exploring Grafton Ponds
5-6 p.m.
Dinner, gathering of materials for fire, fire skill practice and fire building
6-7 p.m
Michael Caduto – "Native American Thanksgiving:  The Circle of Giving and Receiving"
7-8 p.m – Night Hike around Grafton Ponds 

About Michael Caduto

Michael is an award-winning author, master storyteller, ecologist, educator, poet and musician who has been featured on educational television, over National Public Radio and by the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation). He reaches thousands of people each year through personal appearances and his books are used by millions throughout the world. His work draws from science, Earth stewardship and cultural diversity and he has worked with many indigenous peoples during the past 25 years. Michael is a juried artist with the New Hampshire Council on the Arts and the Vermont Arts Council, and has been affiliated with the Vermont Council on the Humanities and the Quebec-Labrador Foundation. His programs, performances, keynotes, workshops and residencies are given to children, school groups, teachers, naturalists, families, storytellers, conferences and general audiences. He has taught at numerous colleges and universities throughout North America. (Michael is of Italian ancestry.)

In 1984 Michael founded a service called P.E.A.C.E.® - Programs for Environmental Awareness and Cultural Exchange. P.E.A.C.E.® promotes understanding, awareness, appreciation and stewardship as the foundation for building a harmonious, sustainable relationship between people and Earth, and among the cultures of the world.