The North Olympic Library System has been selected in a competitive application process to host “Native Voices: Native Peoples’ Concepts of Health and Illness,” a traveling exhibition to U.S. libraries, from June 20-July 31, hosted at the Port Angeles Library, 2210 S. Peabody St.
The exhibit explores the interconnectedness of wellness, illnes, and cultural life for Native Americans, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians. Stories drawn from both the past and present examine how health for Native People is tied to community, the land and spirit.
At the first event, set for 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 25, Jamestown S’Klallam Tribal Elder Lana Kerr will give an interactive presentation on common medicinal plants that grow practically in our own backyards.
The second event, scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Friday, July 12, is “Hishuk’ish Tsawalk” – Everything Is One: Revitalizing Northwest Coast Indigenous Food Systems.” Dr. Charlotte Coté will discuss how Northwest Coast Indigenous people are actively engaging in decolonization and self-determination through the enactment of food sovereignty.
The final event is “Discovering the Stories Within Us,” set for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 18, when Monique Gray Smith will share her personal story of recovery, including her journey of sobriety and how it led her to become a writer and storyteller.
For additional information about the “Native Voices” exhibit or program series, visit www.nols.org/native-voices, call 360-417-8500 or email to discover@nols.org.
