Sacred Traditions with Universal Appeal

It's not often that you have the chance to turn a bone into a horn or hear an ancient tale that has been handed down through generations.

But at the Green Corn Festival, which occurs this Saturday through Monday at Philipsburg Manor, visitors can take in these activities and explore the history and culture of the region's Native Americans.

Traditionally, Green Corn ceremonies marked the ripening of corn with dancing, feasting and cultural reverence. Those who visit this year can expect plenty of folk tales, songs, and storytelling, and a participatory presentation of traditional Native American dance, plus open-hearth cooking demonstrations, games, live music, and hands-on craft activities for children. This year's festival also marks the return of a distinguished Native American cultural icon, Kenneth Little Hawk.

"Kenneth Little Hawk has not been here in the last few years, and we're excited to have him back," said Rob Schweitzer, director of public relations with Historic Hudson Valley. "He does some excellent storytelling and it's dynamic and a unique experience."

Little Hawk's grandparents were from the Mi'kmaq, Mohawk and Cree tribes. He was raised by his grandparents and taught to respect, and carry on, his Native American traditions and is looking forward to share those lessons this weekend. 

"He's always honored to be invited back," said Beverly Miller, Little Hawk's wife and agent. "It is very special to him to be in that wonderful environment."

For Little Hawk, being able to work in a colonial restoration has significance, because it represents a time when Native Americans and newly arrived settlers were interacting, and clashing. 

"It relates to a time when both peoples were trying to make the best of getting to understand each other," Little Hawk said. "It helps to let people see both sides of a coin. That needs to be represented in understanding."

Storytelling and music are passions that Little Hawk uses to bring about this understanding, and he's worked his unique craft in front of many distinguished hosts. He's performed for the President, at numerous museums and institutions and at countless cultural, corporate and educational events. He also does outreach arts education through New Jersey's Project Impact. Even though he works with eclectic groups of people, he does focus on certain themes. 

"His storytelling and music all contain themes of respect for one another and respect for the planet," Miller said. "He shares the lessons, and the wisdom of his ancestors in a way that is also fun." 

The acclaimed living historian will be storytelling, playing music and doing a bit of dance at the festival. He will also demonstrate how to use items from nature to make useful tools. Conch shells and river rocks can be turned into percussion instruments and the means to relay messages when in the hands of Little Hawk. 

Similar demonstrations at the Green Corn Festival will include turning bone into a horn, knitting needles or fishing hooks. The remains of corn husks can also be turned into dolls or rattles. Everything can be reused or converted into something else.

"The main objective is to let people see that we have choices, to live with nature instead of against nature," Little Hawk said. 

Other notables who will be presenting aspects of Native American culture include Susan McLellan Plaisted, who will demonstrate cooking and medicine making; and Arthur Kermss, who will explore wampum-making and treenware (wooden bowls and utensils). 

Many of the Native American presenters will be available for questions as well, giving visitors a rare opportunity to learn something new about Native American culture, or to take home something universal. 

"He (Little Hawk) hopes to leave his audiences with the knowledge that they can make choices to live in harmony with one another and harmony with the earth," Miller said. 

The Green Corn Festival runs Saturday, Sunday and Monday at Philipsburg Manor from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. More information and ticket pricing can be found at the Historic Hudson Valley website.