The following is a press release issued by the County of Mendocino:
November has the distinction of being Native American Heritage Month. “What started at the turn of the (20th) century as an effort to gain a day of recognition for the significant contributions the first Americans made to the establishment and growth of the U.S., has resulted in a whole month being designated for that purpose,” stated the website devoted to celebrating the history and ongoing legacy of Native Americans, nativeamericanheritagemonth.gov.
Discover the diverse culture, history, and traditions of the Indigenous peoples of North America by joining the Mendocino County Library as it celebrates and recognizes the contributions and accomplishments of the first peoples to explore and settle the land we now call the United States of America.
Each library branch will have a Native American Heritage display throughout the month of November and will offer programs focused on the rich cultures of Indigenous peoples.
In Covelo, Round Valley Branch’s display focuses on the community’s favorite Native American authors in both the main library and children’s areas. The branch is offering a documentary film series on November 10 at 7 p.m. which include the short film “Fire Tender,” which tells the story of Yurok tribal members returning to traditional fire ways, as well as “Elemental: Reimagining Wildfire.” Round Valley will also be presenting children’s storytimes on Saturdays at 11 a.m. which honor Indigenous perspectives.
The Bookmobile will offer a storytime in Boonville on November 14 at 1:30 p.m. Books will include “We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga” by Traci Sorell and “Autumn Peltier, Water Warrior” by Carole Lindstrom. There will be copies of “We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga” available for families to take home to build their personal library collections.
The Ukiah Branch has a book display that features Native American authors including local author Buffie Schmidt. Buffie Schmidt will also be teaching a teen program on November 29 at 2:30 p.m. about medicine bags and dream catchers.
Fort Bragg and Coast Community branches’ programs include book discussions and writing projects. On November 26 at 3 p.m., Fort Bragg celebrates Native American authors and discusses local coastal tribal heritage with, “Walk in Our Shoes.” Four days later, on November 30 at 3 p.m., Fort Bragg’s Adult Book Group will examine Louise Erdrich’s “The Sentence.” Coast Community Branch’s book club falls on November 16 at 3 p.m. Beach Reads Book Club’s discussion will focus on books that celebrate Indigenous stories while participants walk at Manchester State Park. On November 18, a poetry project based on the 23rd U.S. Poet Laureate Joy Harjo’s “Living Nations, Living Words” will be offered in Coast’s Community Room at 1 p.m.
“It is important to celebrate the Indigenous peoples’ heritage and ongoing contributions to Mendocino County,” stated Acting County Librarian Mellisa Hannum. “By focusing on stories and culture, Mendocino County Library is supporting the public in learning more about the tribes and Indigenous communities both within our county and throughout the country.”
For more information, please view www.mendolibrary.org, contact your local branch, or the Mendocino County Cultural Services Agency for in depth program information at (707) 234- 2873.
