“Health is the state of physical, mental, social and spiritual wellbeing,” said Yvonne Epps-Giddings, a nurse with the Indian Health Service and member of Virginia’s Nottoway Indian Tribe. “It’s about keeping things in balance.”
Epps-Giddings was the featured speaker at Central Rappahannock Regional Library’s (CRRL) opening reception for “Native Voices: Native Peoples’ Concepts of Health and Illness.”
The interactive exhibition explores the unique, interconnected relationships of health, illness, and cultural life for Native Americans, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians. Through interviews, Native people describe the impact of epidemics, federal legislation, the loss of land, and the inhibition of culture on the health of Native individuals and communities today.
Chele Brown, head of adult services at CRRL, worked with Chief John Lightner and the Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia to obtain the touring exhibit, which was developed by the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM). “Working with the Patawomeck Tribe on this project has been a pleasure and a privilege,” she said.
The traveling exhibit was developed in partnership with the American Library Association (ALA) Public Programs Office. CRRL is one of only 104 grant recipients nationwide selected to host the exhibition. “This interactive exhibit exemplifies the fact that libraries are about more than books; they’re about life-long learning,” said CRRL Director Martha Hutzel.
Deputy Secretary of the Commonwealth Traci DeShazar recognized CRRL for the project, reading a letter on behalf of Gov. Terry McAuliffe.
Chief John Lightner — Lone Eagle — gave a brief introduction to the history of the Patawomeck. Their main lands were in what is now Stafford and King George counties, and it is from their village that Pocahontas was captured.
Theirs was the most northern tribe of the Powhatan Confederation. When the confederation’s leader ordered member tribes not to trade with the Jamestown settlers, the Patawomeck disobeyed. “We were the only tribe trading with Jamestown during the starving years,” Lightner said. “If it weren’t for us, Jamestown would have been another lost colony.”
The tribe has reconstructed their language. They are one of 11 recognized tribes in Virginia.
“Native Voices: Native Peoples’ Concepts of Health and Illness” is on display at Headquarters Library, 1201 Caroline St. in Fredericksburg, through August 31, 2016. Library hours are 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 1 – 5:30 p.m. Sunday.
The following programs are also planned. All are at Headquarters Library.
Verifying Native American Ancestry Through DNA Testing
Tuesday, Aug. 2, 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Many Americans have a family story that features the marriage of a Native American into the lineage. Professional genealogist Shannon Combs–Bennett explains how to use DNA testing to explore your ancestry.
When in Tsenacommacah, Do as the Powhatans
Wednesday, Aug. 3, 7 – 8 p.m.
Author, historical barbecue consultant, Master Certified Barbecue Judge, award–winning BBQ cook, and member of the Patawomeck Indian Tribe, Joe Haynes leads us on an exploration of Powhatan culture. Copies of A History of Virginia Barbecue will be available for purchase and book signing.
Patawomeck Village Reenactment
Saturday, Aug. 6, 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Rain date: Saturday, Aug. 13
Members of the Patawomeck Tribe take you back in time to explore a longhouse, Indian-style open fire cooking, cornmeal pounding, music, and to meet Pocahontas. Artifacts, crafts, games, and more activities, both inside and outside! All ages. Read more.
Pine: Using Needles, Bark, and Sap for Health and Wellness
Tuesday, Aug. 9, 7 – 8 p.m.
“Ever eat a pine tree? Many parts are edible.”* Join us for a discussion and demonstration on the uses of pine needles, bark, and sap, some edible and some not! *Wild food proponent Euell Gibbons famously asked this in a Grape Nuts commercial over 40 years ago.
Walking in This World: Native American Social Issues Yesterday and Today
Thursday, Aug. 11, 7 – 8 p.m.
Dr. Karenne Wood, a member of the Monacan Indian Nation and director of Virginia Indian Programs at the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities, examines American Indian ways of living in sustainable communities and analyzes how these life ways were transformed through contact with settlers from Europe, the subsequent disruption of Native traditions, and the emergence of social dysfunction.
Politics, Priests, and Health Among Indians in Colonial Virginia
Thursday, Aug. 25, 7 – 8 p.m.
Dr. Jason Sellers, Assistant Professor of History and American Studies at the University of Mary Washington, describes life and health for Indians in colonial Virginia.
More
Native Voices Traveling Exhibition Opens at the Library
Fun Fests at the Library August 3 – 12
Library Celebrates Harry Potter
River Animals Coming to the Central Rappahannock Regional Library
Library Hosts Civil War Genealogy Workshops
Central Rappahannock Regional Library Summer Reading Programs Keep Minds Engaged
Mobile Café Providing Free Summer Lunches for Youth 18 and Younger
Child Steals the Show at Music on the Steps
