ISDC brings Cherokee storytelling series to campus

(Tahlequah, Okla.)-- The Indigenous Scholar Development Center will be hosting a Cherokee storytelling series throughout the fall semester, beginning on Wednesday, Sept. 30. The theme for the series is Persistence.

Each event will be led by Cherokee storyteller and former Miss Cherokee, Janelle Adair. The Sept. 30 kick-off event will take place from 6 to 7 p.m. at Second Century Square on the Tahlequah campus. The ISCD invites the entire NSU campus community to the series. There is no cost to attend.

Adair is a United Keetoowah Band Cherokee citizen and has been telling stories for 16 years.

She is passionate about storytelling and brings to life the stories that her ancestors have told and passed down from generation to generation, Hannah Foreman, scholar development coordinator with the ISDC, said.

During the Series, Adair will incorporate explanations about how and why storytelling is a valuable tool still used by many tribes today. She will also explain the significance of many stories passed down from generation to generation, and she will elaborate on the different types of storytelling.

Adair feels this opportunity will serve as a learning experience for those who may not be familiar with the history of Cherokee Storytelling.

As an NSU alumna, Adair also believes that the theme of persistence will speak directly to the students.

Persistence, to me, describes what it takes to get through college. What many people don't understand about the Native student population, is that most of them arent pursuing a degree for personal gain or achievement. They're often going to school to use that degree to help others. Natives are selfless people. They look for ways to take care of someone else, and that can be family or the community in general. They set their goals around the idea of What can I do to make things better for someone else? Adair said.

For more information, contact the Indigenous Scholar Development Center, located on the second floor of the John Vaughan Library on the Tahlequah campus, or call Hannah Foreman at 918-444-3042.

Published: 2015-09-28 12:14:19.017000