Stories From the People of the Longhouse
with Perry Ground ; speaker, storyteller, and Turtle Clan member of the Onondaga Nation of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy
This Storytelling presentation is filled with traditional Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) legends that have been told for hundreds of years. These stories teach about the beliefs, customs, and history of the Haudenosaunee people and continue to be an important part of Haudenosaunee culture. The Storyteller will bring the stories to life through vivid descriptions, his rhythmic voice, and a VERY active stage presence. These stories become ‘interactive’ as Perry includes volunteer audience members in the stories. This program is also filled with historical information, discussion about the art of storytelling, other elements of Haudenosaunee culture and LOTS of humor. Audiences, young and old, will find this presentation captivating, highly entertaining yet very educational.
Cost: Free for members or with paid admission
Perry Ground is a Turtle Clan member of the Onondaga Nation of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy. He has been telling stories for over 25 years as a means of educating people about the culture, beliefs, and history of the Haudenosaunee. Perry learned many of the stories he shares from elders of 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; also, he worked for the Rochester City School District for many years. He has shared his stories and presentations in countless museums, libraries, classrooms, and festivals throughout the northeast and has guest lectured at numerous colleges. Perry served as the Frederick H. Minett Professor at Rochester Institute of Technology for the 2021-22 academic year.