The Wild Center Hosts Ways of Knowing Celebration and Joanne Shenandoah in Concert; July 6, 2019

Ways of Knowing Celebration (Credit: The Wild Center)

The Wild Center will celebrate its Ways of Knowing partnership project on Saturday, Jul. 6 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Following the celebration, the Center will host Joanne Shenandoah in concert from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Together for the first time, Ways of Knowing and Joanne Shenandoah will explore the perspectives that different cultures have through their connection with nature and present a deeper look into Native American tradition and expression.

This full-day celebration will begin with special hands-on activities and live presentations, given by area artists and experts. Storytelling sessions will be led by artist and Director of the Six Nations Indian Museum, David Fadden, while educators from the Akwesasne Culture Center present learnings on Haudenosaunee (Six Nations/Iroquois) culture. Attendees will be invited to explore authentic crafts from Akwesasne artisan vendors or step outside to learn about the uses of native plants. Special sign-ups will be available to take part in a day-of canoe experience featuring guest guide Neil Patterson from SUNY-ESF Center for Native People and the Environment.

During this event, guests will explore traditional ecological knowledge through a cultural lens. Presenters and collections will share the differing perspectives of nature through cultures that have acquired this knowledge over millennia of direct contact with the environment. Colorful illustrations by artist Dave Fadden will invite visitors to explore the ways existence is interconnected with the natural world.

Joanne Shenandoah (Photo by Jane Feldman)

In the evening, Shenandoah will perform traditional chants and contemporary ballads of Native ways in a showcase that has been referred to as “informative, emotional” and “uplifting.” A member of the Wolf Clan of the Oneida Nation, Iroquois Confederacy, Shenandoah is considered to be among America’s most critically acclaimed Native American musicians. She has won more than 40 music awards, including a Grammy.

The Wild Center’s celebration of the Ways of Knowing partnership project is open to all visitors, members, and to those with a Tribal ID or status card. The daytime presentations and most activities are included with admission to The Wild Center. The evening Joanne Shenandoah Concert is not included in admission and will take place outside of normal operating hours. Tickets are $20 online or $25 at the door. Details can be found online at: https://www.wildcenter.org/event/joanne-shenandoah-in-concert/

The Wild Center invites visitors to discover the story of the Adirondacks, and to explore new ways that people and nature can thrive in the same place. Located in Tupper Lake, NY the center uses science-based experiences, exhibits and program to open new ways to look into the relationship that people have with nature and to promote environmental best practices. A 54,000-square-foot facility, The Wild Center features indoor and outdoor space, live animals, hands-on experiences, and its popular Wild Walk, an elevated trail across the Adirondack treetops. The Center is open 7 days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.