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November 10, 2009

Storytellers, performers entertain at Native American Festival

By Christian Potts

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

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