Perry Ground’s presentation will explain Native American perceptions of nature and human interaction with it. His talk is part of a year-long series on the History of Environmental Sustainability in Tompkins County, and is entitled “I Will Now Tell a Story”.
This 45-minute presentation will be filled with traditional Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) stories that have been told for hundreds of years. These stories teach about the beliefs, customs and history of the Haudenosaunee people. Storyteller Perry Ground will bring the stories to life through vivid descriptions, his rhythmic voice and an active stage presence. Discussion about the Haudenosaunee culture and the art of storytelling will be included in this program. Students, young and old, will find this presentation captivating, highly entertaining yet very educational.
Perry Ground is a Turtle Clan member of the Onondaga Nation of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy. He has been telling stories for over 15 years as a means of educating people about the culture, beliefs and history of the Haudenosaunee. Perry learned most of the stories he shares from the elders of various Native American communities and feels that practicing and perpetuating the oral traditions of Native people is an important responsibility. Professionally, Perry has worked in several museums including The Children’s Museum of Houston, Sainte Marie among the Iroquois and Ganondagan State Historic Site. He has shared his stories in countless museums, libraries, classrooms, and festivals throughout the northeast and also has guest lectured at numerous colleges. Currently, Perry is the Project Director of the Native American Resource Center in Rochester, NY. For more information, please contact Paul Miller at The History Center, at education@historycenter.net or 607.273.8284 ext. 3. The History Center is located east of the Ithaca Commons at 401 East State Street.
Funding for the series is provided by a generous grant from the New York Council for the Humanities.
