Celebrate Native American culture on Saturday

The Lewiston Council on the Arts invites area residents to celebrate Native American culture in a new event at the Hennepin Park Gazebo, Fourth and Center streets in Lewiston, from noon to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 21. Neto Hatinakwe Onkwehowe has teamed up with the LCA to present "Earth Voices of the Great Spirit," an experience intended to entertain and educate people of all ages, genders and races.

Listen to the Tuscarora language as Neil and Francene Patterson offer the opening address. Feel the beat of the big drum and water drum, and hear the songs and stories of native people. Chief Leo Henry and Jay Clause (above) will share an oral history of the Tuscarora people.

Also found will be opportunities to check out arts and crafts vendors and taste indigenous food.

"Traditional music will move you, and as the evening wears on, contemporary rock by Native musicians will make you want to rock and roll," says the LCA's Eva Nicklas. The schedule includes Pete Bissel and the Tuscarora Social Singers, Adrienne Smoke and the Red Star Hand Drum Singers, Tuscarora Marching Band, Tonemah, and Pale Face.

"We welcome everyone to join us in a day of sharing, to celebrate the music and culture that has spanned generations and continues to attract new audiences," says Allan Jamieson of the Neto Hatinakwe Onkwehowe. "It promises to be a day filled with educational activities and entertainment for the whole family."