Bring master Cherokee storyteller Gayle Ross to your school for performances and workshops!
About Gayle Ross
Gayle Ross is an enrolled member of the Cherokee nation and a direct descendant of John Ross, chief of the Cherokee nation during the infamous "Trail of Tears." Through stories she learned from her grandmother, Gayle Ross has been telling her people's myths and legends at schools, colleges, and festivals across the United States. Gayle is a master storyteller who can provoke laughter with trickster stories (How Rabbit Tricked Otter and Other Cherokee Trickster Stories) or move listeners to tears with haunting Cherokee creation myths. She has become one of the best-loved and most respected storytellers to emerge in the past 25 years.
Gayle has appeared at almost every major storytelling festival in the United States and Canada, and continues to mesmerize students of all ages at schools and libraries across the country. She was invited by then Vice President Al Gore to perform at a gala entitled “A Taste of Tennessee,” and was chosen by the Clinton White House as the only Native American speaker at the giant Millennium on the Mall celebration in Washington, D.C.
Gayle performed at the National Book Festival’s opening gala and has been a featured speaker at the American Library Association, the International Reading Association and the International Board of Books for Young People. She was featured in two hour-long segments of the award-winning documentary “How the West Was Lost” on the Discovery Channel, and appeared on the upcoming American Experience five-part series “We Shall Remain” on PBS.
In-School Performances:
Gayle Ross, descendent of John Ross, the Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation during the legendary 'Trail of Tears,' recounts stories from the rich heritage she learned from her grandmother. Some are Cherokee stories and some are from other Native American tribes. All help teach about caring for the environment and respecting all people. Ross is a masterful storyteller whose performances mesmerize audiences of all ages.
Study Guide Included!
Study materials focus on the art of storytelling, language arts, and local and regional history and geography. The anticipated impact of the interactive performances include increased cultural awareness, exposure to different art forms, respect for the environment and all people, and lifelong learning.
Workshops for Teachers and Librarians:
Seeing Red - Beyond the Stereotypes of Native America
A totem pole parked next to a tipi? Kids in paper feathers? What’s wrong with these pictures? A great deal, according to contemporary Native Americans. Our oldest cultures on this continent, unfortunately, are perhaps our most misunderstood. In this workshop, teachers and librarians will develop an understanding of the need for a critical eye when it comes to assessing materials and activities for teaching children about Native America. Discussion topics include our shared history, tribal diversity and contemporary Native issues such as mascots and spirituality. Come with an open mind and lots of questions. Includes handouts and resource lists.
Bringing Out the Storyteller in Everyone
Storytelling is perhaps the oldest form of teaching on the planet and it is still one of the best. Topics include the how, when and most importantly, the why of telling stories for young people. How to find good stories...how to learn and tell them effectively...and why it is so important! Includes handout and resource lists.
Books by Gayle Ross
--The Story of the Milky Way (Dial Books for Young Readers)
--The Girl Who Married the Moon (Bridgewater Books)
--How Turtle’s Back Was Cracked (Dial Books for Young Readers)
Dates: September 25, 28, 29 or 30, 2009
Cost: $850 per day (includes up to FOUR 45-minute performances or workshops per day)
Contact: Laurel Eldridge, Program Director
423-267-1218, LEldridge@ArtsEdCouncil.org
