MADISON, WI -- Teejop & Beyond: Celebrating Native Nations, a program created by Madison Public Library in partnership with Ho-Chunk Gaming Madison, will return to libraries across Madison on Indigenous Peoples’ Day (Monday, October 9).

"The lineup this year showcases the diversity and distinct cultures of Indigenous nations, as well as some of the shared experiences among them,” said Neeyati Shah, the Community Engagement Librarian who leads this program at the library. “Some of the events this time around will delve into challenging but important topics that we haven't explored yet in this series, and others will offer more opportunities for previously popular workshops. Our presenters have created programs highlighting skills, knowledge, and cultural values that are meaningful to them, while still being accessible for the larger community.”

Teejop & Beyond highlights both traditional and contemporary practices, stories, and community relationships. Nine presenters representing different Native tribes in Wisconsin will lead more than a dozen programs from October - December on a wide range of topics, including the climate crisis, identity, growing up Native in Wisconsin, food and much more. 

Program participants will also have the opportunity to try hands-on crafts important to Native tribes in Wisconsin - like beading, basket-weaving and quillwork - and understand the ways techniques and approaches vary depending on the tribal traditions guiding them. Returning presenter, Kim Crowley, shares about why the tradition of basketmaking is important to her and her family:

“I really enjoy sharing basket making because it keeps me close to my parents. I watched my mom make baskets from the time she woke up to wee hours at night. I hope basket making continues after I am gone. It has become a lost art. Among Ho-Chunk people, out of 7,000+ members there are only a handful of us who know how to make and how to prepare the black ash and get the ash log as well.”

This year, presenters represent the Ho-Chunk, Menominee, Oneida, and Ottawa nations:

MEET THE PRESENTERS:

• Mx T Clearwater [Menominee Nation]
• Kimberly Crowley [Ho-Chunk Nation - Thunder Clan]
• Tim Decorah [Ho-Chunk Nation]
• Sherman Funmaker [Ho-Chunk Nation - Bear Clan Elder]
• Denise Low
• Dawn Moneyhan [Little River Band of Ottawa Indians]
• Yvette Peguero [Menominee Tribe Elder]
• Paige Skenandore [Oneida Nation - Turtle Clan]
• Melanie Tallmadge-Sainz [Ho-Chunk Nation]

Read full bios online at madpl.org/teejopandbeyond.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• October 11: Beaded Drum Necklaces at Pinney Library. Led by Yvette Peguero. 5-7pm
• October 20: Applying Indigenous Culture to the Climate Crisis at Sequoya Library. Led by Dawn Moneyhan. 7-8:30pm
• October 30: Survive & Thrive at Pinney Library. Led by Tim Decorah. 6:30-7:45pm
• November 4: Black Ash (Demo) and Paper Basketmaking at Meadowridge Library. Led by Kim Crowley. 9:30-11am
• November 4: Ho-Chunk Food Tasting at Alicia Ashman Library. Led by Kim Crowley. 1-2:30pm
• November 6: Multi-generational Beading and Quillwork Bracelet Workshop at Lakeview Library. Led by Melanie Tallmadge. 1-3pm
• November 7: Growing Up Native in Wisconsin - Storytelling and Poetry at Hawthorne Library. Led by Sherman Funmaker. 6:30-7:30pm
• November 8: Thunder in the Dells Screening & Panel Discussion at Central Library. Featuring panelists Janice Rice, Lisa Hendrickson, and Lance Tallmadge. 7-8:30pm
• November 18: Beaded Keychains Workshop at Goodman South Madison Library. Led by Paige Skenandore. 11am-1pm
• November 28: The Seven Fires Prophecies - Storytelling and Native American History. Led by Dawn Moneyhan. 7-8:30pm
• December 2: Quillwork at Hawthorne Library. Led by Paige Skenandore. 12-4pm
• December 6: **VIRTUAL** Tom Weso’s Survival Food Memoir: Menominee Places and Stories. Led by Denise Low. 7-8pm

Additional programs will be listed online soon. Some programs require registration. Registration opens two weeks before each event and spots are limited for some activities.

Learn more about the Teejop & Beyond series, the presenters, and sign up to attend programs online at madpl.org/teejopandbeyond.

About Madison Public Library
Madison Public Library’s tradition of promoting education, literacy and community involvement has enriched the City of Madison for more than 145 years. Visit the library online at www.madisonpubliclibrary.org, madisonpubliclibrary on Facebook, @madisonlibrary on Twitter, or @madisonpubliclibrary on Instagram.