Lori Marble: PBS series focuses on American Indians

April 10, 2009 10:43 pm

— Tom Clancy is quoted as saying, “The only way to do all the things you’d like to do is to read.”
It’s a sentiment shared by the Neosho/Newton County Library as it begins a schedule of programs built around the “We Shall Remain” series airing this month on the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS).
Part of the American Experience series “We Shall Remain” explores American Indian history through a series of five films beginning Monday, April 13, and continuing through May 11. Additional materials and interactive maps supporting the films are also provided on the PBS Web site.
“We wanted to raise awareness about Native American history,” said Ginny Ray, director of the Neosho/Newton County Library.
The library is hosting a showing of the movie “Smoke Signals,” winner of the Filmmaker’s Trophy and Audience Award at the 1998 Sundance Film Festival, on Tuesday, April 14. The movie is set on the C’oeur d’Alene Indian Reservation in Idaho and was the first film written by, directed by and starring American Indians. The movie’s screenplay was written by Sherman Alexie, who has also authored several books, one of which is available at the library. It’s titled “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian.”
Chief Glenna Wallace is the speaker on Thursday, April 23. Wallace is the first woman sworn in as chief in the history of the Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma. Her presentation follows the television premiere of the Tecumseh’s Vision episode on April 20.
“Tecumseh was a Shawnee. He was the greatest of the Shawnee,” Wallace said. “I am a Shawnee.”
Wallace related the importance of the programs in sharing information regarding American Indian history. She reflected on the conflict within some groups regarding the traditional practice of orally passing down the stories and histories of their tribe. The debate, among some, centers on the belief that there is a need “to step out and write those stories down.”
“I’ll be talking about Shawnee culture and the things in that particular culture that makes us unique, our complexities and our challenges,” she said.
Michael 2-Leaf Meadows, a storyteller and flute player from Anderson, is the final presenter on Tuesday, April 28. As a young adult, Meadows learned he was going blind. Never displaying any musical talent before, he bought an American Indian flute to add to a collection of artifacts. Over a period of time, he taught himself to play music he describes as coming from his spirit. Meadows has devoted the past two decades to playing his music to a wide range of audiences.
“We’re hopeful we’ll have a great turnout for all the programs,” said Ray. “People have been very positive about the series.”
The programs are free. Start times are available at the library’s Web site www.neosholibrary.org.