Culture Days A Fabulous Success

By Sallie Cotter Andrews, Culture Committee Vice Chair

Over 120 of our people from across the United States and Canada came to Wyandotte, OK, on September 6 – 9, 2011, for the 7^th Annual Culture Days activities.  Not a single person was disappointed with the information they received, the fellowship that they enjoyed, and the classes that were offered!

There was plenty of time for language and to learn new words and phrases with our linguists, Dr. Bruce Pearson and Dr. Craig Kopris.  There was time for history and to learn how majestic our legacy is and how proud we can be to be called Wendat people with our friend from Canada, Charles Garrad.  There was time to learn about our history, stories, songs and Green Corn Feast with Richard Zane Smith and Paul Barton.   There was time to learn new skills, such as beading lead by Kim Garcia, soap making lead by Patricia Manley, and cornhusk doll making lead by Shannon and Jeremy Turner.  And there was time for either experiencing our Green Corn Feast at Carol and Richard Zane Smith’s home or making a one-day field trip to Kansas City on Thursday with Chief Billy Friend and Lloyd Divine.  Either choice – the day was overflowing with experiences that will never be forgotten.

What is it about Culture Days that is so important and absolutely intriguing?  It is simply this – there is no other nation that offers a condensed time of study and fellowship like this each year, free to its citizens.  It does not matter if you know a lot about your Wyandotte heritage or nothing at all.  The door is wide open for everyone to come and participate.  The information is free-flowing – nothing is held back.  Our language is spoken and sung – our dances are taught and danced.  Our Green Corn touches the core of our being.  Seeing the sites in the Wyandotte, OK, area or going up to Kansas City, KS, makes all you learn come alive and the draws you back year after year.  When you are at Culture Days, you are with your extended family, there are lots of hugs, and it is fun!  This year we had family with us in Oklahoma from the Wyandot of Anderdon Nation (Michigan) and the Wyandot Nation of Kansas as well as the Seneca-Cayuga Tribe of Oklahoma.

Mark your calendar now for Culture Days 2012 – September 4 – 7, 2012.  It is going to include a celebration that has been over 100 years in the making and a field trip to the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History in Norman, OK, on September 6, 2012, to see our Wyandotte and Seneca-Cayuga artifacts in a beautiful museum setting.  This trip – in addition to more of what was mentioned above — will be well planned and designed with you in mind.  The Wyandotte Nation makes understanding your heritage very easy and comfortable.  Don’t let this unique, fabulous opportunity pass you by in 2012!  See you next year!