The Cannon Beach Library will host a family-friendly storytelling event with Native American
educator Karen Kitchen at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15.
With traditional stories and songs, Kitchen engages children and learners of all ages. Children also can experiment with and make their own indigenous instruments.
A member of the Osage Nation of Oklahoma, Kitchen is an educator and musician in Oregon. She works as a student support specialist for the Portland Public Schools’ Indian Education Project, helping American Indian and Alaskan native students complete high school and enter college.
A musician who studied vocal performance in Paris, France, Kitchen, who sings in several languages, also teaches Native songs to children ages 3 to 5 in a Native Montessori program. She performs with the musical group Border Crossing.
Kitchen also is outreach director for Painted Sky, a not-for-profit organization that honors Native American culture by making it possible for Native children to study music and dance.
Kitchen’s visit to the Cannon Beach Library is part of The Gathering, a celebration of Native American Heritage Month. The weekend of Nov. 15 and 16 will be filled with art, film and conversation focusing on the Native American experience.
All Gathering events are free of charge. Donations are encouraged.
In addition to Kitchen’s appearance at the Cannon Beach Library, The Gathering includes:
◦ 7 p.m. Coaster Theatre Playhouse: Award-winning director Katsitsionni Fox will premier her upcoming documentary, “Kanenon:we – Original Seeds.” The film explores food security, environmental disconnection, climate change, land theft and more. Fox will be joined by poet Cliff Taylor (Ponca) for a question-and-answer session following the film.
◦ 11 a.m. Cannon Beach History Center & Museum: Scholar Brad Mix (Red River Métis) will
discuss mixed-blood identity, not only within the Métis Nation but across indigenous and mixed- heritage communities.
More information can be found at www.tolovanaartscolony.org/gathering.
The Gathering is produced by Cannon Beach community nonprofits, including Tolovana
Arts Colony, Cannon Beach History Center & Museum, Coaster Theatre Playhouse and
Cannon Beach Library.