Celebrate Native Nations during the Teejop & Beyond Program Series at Madison Public Library this Fall

MADISON, WI -- Teejop & Beyond: Celebrating Native Nations, a program created by Madison Public Library in partnership with Ho-Chunk Gaming Madison, will return to libraries across Madison on Indigenous Peoples' Day (Monday, October 14).

Teejop & Beyond highlights both traditional and contemporary practices, stories, and community relationships. Six presenters representing different Native tribes will lead programs throughout October and November on a wide range of topics, including Native citizenship and participation in the electoral process, the recent discovery of canoes in Lake Mendota, the history and process of making musical instruments, and more. Four presenters are returning from last year's program series.

"I enjoy speaking and sharing stories and the Madison Public libraries have given me many opportunities to do so. I always look forward to sharing my poetry and stories," said Sherman Funmaker, who has presented a program called Growing Up Native in Wisconsin for the past two years as part of the Teejop & Beyond series.

Program participants will also have the opportunity to try hands-on crafts important to Native tribes in Wisconsin - like beading and basket weaving - and understand the ways techniques and approaches vary depending on the tribal traditions guiding them. Attendees have commented on the importance of offering these opportunities at the library:

"It was meaningful to me because I am a tribal citizen (Odawa from MI) and never learned to bead. I love the library programming that centers Indigenous people," said a participant in last year's Teejop & Beyond program.

This year, presenters represent the Ho-Chunk, Menominee, Ottawa, and Choctaw nations:

• Kimberly Crowley [Ho-Chunk Nation - Thunder Clan]
• Torey Dolan [Chocktaw Nation of Oklahoma]
• Sherman Funmaker [Ho-Chunk Nation - Bear Clan Elder]
• Dawn Moneyhan [Little River Band of Ottawa Indians]
• Yvette Peguero [Menominee Tribe Elder]
• Bill Quackenbush [Ho-Chunk Nation - Deer Clan]

Read full bios online at madpl.org/teejopandbeyond.

"It's so exciting to welcome a mix of new and returning presenters for the series this year. Each program either highlights a specific Nation's customs and values, or explores intercultural relationships," said Neeyati Shah, the Community Engagement Librarian who leads this program at the library. "There will be opportunities to learn about timely and important initiatives led by Indigenous people in our own community, and also to create art, share stories, and eat delicious food."

Upcoming Events:

Additional programs will be listed online soon, including multiple beading programs. Programs marked with an (*) require registration.. Registration opens two weeks before each event and spots are limited.

Learn more about the Teejop & Beyond series, read presenter bios, access an accompanying book list, and sign up for programs online at madpl.org/teejopandbeyond.

Teejop & Beyond is made possible this year thanks to the Friends of Madison Public Library.

About Madison Public Library

Madison Public Library's tradition of promoting education, literacy and community involvement has enriched the City of Madison for nearly 150 years. Visit the library online at www.madisonpubliclibrary.org, or @madisonpubliclibrary on Facebook and Instagram.

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