With her eloquent words, her distinctive hand motions and her energy, Kricket Rhoads Connywerdy has a way with telling stories.
A member of the Caddo Nation, Connywerdy entertained guests at the Norman Public Library's fifth annual Native American Festival Sunday afternoon.
She began a story from Caddo traditions, talking about a dog who was always in trouble for tattling.
"How many of you have been in a time out before?" she asked the audience.
"Lots of times," piped up a youngster from the front row.
The dog in the story was named Deetsee, the Caddo word for dog. Back in these times, the legend says, dogs could talk, and he continued his tattling ways, so his master, Flying Hawk, finally stretched out Deetsee's tongue and mouth, and since then, dogs have not been able to talk, so the legend says.
Connywerdy made the point that her stories not only entertain but also give insight into the culture of the tribe they came from, be it references to the Kiowa's traditional teepees or the huts the Caddos lived in during the summer.
That theme of education was present throughout the day, as dancers, artisans and musicians performed. "We make sure people can see what we actually are," said Steve Littleman, leader of the Oklahoma Fancy Dancers, a group that performed Sunday.
At one point, the dancers invited audience members to join them in a friendship dance, with group dancers locking hands with their guests in a dance that started in a circle and made its way around the library's Lowry Room.
"What better way to learn and to even feel what another culture is than by participating in it," Littleman said.
The event also featured a special recognition of Caddo potter Jereldine Redcorn, a Norman resident who earlier this year had a piece selected by President Barack Obama to be on display in the Oval Office of the White House
The day is set aside to honor the extensive Native American population and culture in this part of the country.
And it brought a different sound to the library, as well as a different smell -- a tasty one, courtesy of the aroma of Indian Tacos provided by Norman First American United Methodist Church.
In the end, guests left with good memories, some with full stomachs and all looking forward to being back. Littleman left them with a few words in his native Kiowa, then translated it.
"It's not goodbye, but in my Kiowa tribal culture it mean 'we will see you again,'" he said.
Christian Potts 366-3544 cpotts@normantranscript.com
Local news
Storytellers, performers entertain at Native American Festival
- Local news
-
-
Bonds awarded at low interest
Norman residents most likely will not notice any property tax increase from bonds awarded to an underwriter by the Norman City Council on Tuesday night, city Finance Director Anthony Francisco said....
-
Police link man to multiple rapes
Cleveland County prosecutors are expected to file as many as 20 felony charges ranging from burglary to first-degree rape and forcible oral sodomy against a former OU student who police say confessed to sexual assaults on Norman college ...
-
Preliminary hearing set for former OU professor
By Joel Pruett On Tuesday, the preliminary hearing for a former University of Oklahoma professor suspected of rape and sexual abuse of and lewd acts with children was set for May 10....
-
School board results
The unofficial results of yesterday night’s election are in, with no close races and no reported complications with new machinery and ballots. Voters largely favored incumbents where applicable. Results are as follows: · Lexington ...
-
Pedestrian in serious condition
A 64-year-old Norman man improved from critical condition to serious condition Tuesday night. He remains in OU Medical Center after being struck Monday while crossing 12th Avenue Northeast, north of Main Street....
-
Pekingese becomes America’s top dog
NEW YORK — This Peke was at his peak. Malachy the Pekingese wobbled off with best in show Tuesday night at the Westminster Kennel Club, becoming America’s dog to the delight of an adoring crowd that called his name....
-
Castiglione speaks at All Saints
Earlier this month, Catholic schools nationwide celebrated Catholic Schools week with various themed activities and fundraisers....
-
NPS to purchase radios
The FCC killed the wideband star, and it’s about to cost Norman Public Schools Schools up to $200,000....
-
Marc Heitz raises nearly $32K for hungry children
Spinning around an ice skating rink, many Norman residents contributed to raising nearly $32,000 to benefit the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma during the past holiday season....
-
City council considers transportation bonds
Tonight at 6:30, the Norman City Council will vote on whether to approve bids on transportion bonds totaling $33 million. If approved, the bond package will go to voters on June 26. The council also will consider whether to commission a ...
- More Local news Headlines
-
Bonds awarded at low interest
