Branford Students to Dive into Native American Culture with the Help of Two Connecticut Experts October 9

Students at the Mary Tisko and John B. Sliney Schools will explore the culture and folklore of two of Connecticut’s Native American tribes October 9 with the help of two local authorities on the topic. Journalist and author Jason Marchi will team up with Mashantucket Pequot Museum educator Trudie Lamb Richmond in a 45-minute program that will share stories of Connecticut’s first residents with the students.

Marchi is the author of the book which presents the authentic Quinnipiac Tribal legend of the Sleeping Giant Hills in Hamden, which look like a man asleep on this back. The story, written for third and fourth grade level readers, introduces children to Native American worldview and legend, and also seeks to inspire them to observe nature and the world around them.

Richmond is a respected storyteller and exemplar of native culture. A member of the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation, she is a Connecticut Office of the Arts Master Teaching Artist and a representative of the Mashantucket Pequot Museum, is a non-profit institution that seeks to further understanding of the richness and diversity of indigenous cultures.

Copies of Hobbomock, The Legend of Sleeping Giant are available for sale on the Kabuki Helps website at www.kabukihelps.com. Kabuki Helps is a community of parents and teachers committed to making learning fun, which is sponsor of the event.

The Mashantucket Pequot Museum is the world’s Largest Native American Museum. Covering 20,000 years of Native and natural history, the Museum offers experiences for all ages, from life-size walk-through dioramas that transport visitors into the past, to changing exhibits, and live performances of Native American contemporary arts and cultures. For information, visit www.pequotmuseum.org.