Keynote Speaker Melody Walker, Wabanaki Elnu Member

Feb. 21, 2009 - PRLog -- Keynote Speaker Melody Walker, Wabanaki Elnu Member

Administrator
February 21, 2009

The Vermont Women's History Project, a program of the Vermont Commission on Women, along with Lyndon State College's Women's Group, is pleased to present My Story Matters: A History Conference for High School Students and Teachers, Wednesday, April 8th at Lyndon State College.

The conference seeks to engage and educate Northeast Kingdom youth about Vermont history through a variety of fun and interactive speakers, workshops, and dramatic performances.  Students will learn more about archeology, storytelling, creative writing, the art of interviewing, and more.  

A special Story Booth, modeled after NPR's StoryCorps, allows students to capture on tape interviews with each other on a topic of importance to them.

Keynote speaker Elnu Abenaki member Melody Walker, discusses how her people's history and heritage have influenced and shaped her life experiences.

"My Wabanaki heritage shapes the way that I view the world, the way that I view history, and the way that I deal with difficult situations. I am always mindful of my place in the world and
my culture. During the hard times, my mentors have guided me with stories of the past, of perseverance, and of Gluskabe.
Abenaki melodies forever remind me of what I love most in the world and that no matter what happens, there is a large family ready to stand up for each other.

Historically Wabanaki existence, physical and cultural, has been severely threatened, up to the present day, but we are still here and will continue to occupy our homeland. As a Wabanaki person, I have a responsibility to my culture and to my people- to learn about our history, relearn our technologies, and to work hard for the future.
From the time that I wake up and thank the sun, to the time that I go to bed, I know that I am a part of something bigger and it makes me whole. No matter what road I take, I am never alone in the world and whatever happens along the path reflects not only upon myself as an individual but upon all of those behind me."

Also:

Emmy-nominated TV producer and filmmaker Caro Thompson, teaches students how to make personal stories visual in order to better connect with audiences.

Vermont's own filmmaker Bess O'Brien creates High School History, the Musical, performed by conference participants at the end of the day.  

This event supported in part by the Vermont Humanities Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities, and by individual donations.

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