Visiting artist helps our students explore history, culture

Some students heard the Native American legend of a woman falling from the sky and creating Turtle Island on the watery Earth.
Others explored their sense of self, creating imagery that explained what makes them unique.
Others looked back at the ancestors who came before them.
All were inspired by Edgar Heap of Birds, a Native American artist who visited Brookdale for two days in late February. His visit was funded by a grant secured by art teacher Deb Gelso and supported by the Brookdale PTA.
Heap of Birds’ lessons for students were equal parts art experience and exploration of Native American culture.
Meeting with two classes at a time, he introduced students to tribal history and words in Tsististas, the language and name of his tribe, known in English as the Cheyenne.
Students learned how his tribe values the number four, with four “big chiefs” just as there are four seasons, as well as the importance of the circle — a lesson that played out in each project he led.
Young students heard the legend of Turtle Island, in which the woman who has fallen from the clouds walks in circles on a turtle’s shell to make it grow into a land where people could live. After listening to the story, the children drew their interpretations. Heap of Birds encouraged the students to add details, like the circles on the turtle’s shell.
Middle students and some younger children learned that teepees are round for practical reasons — to better withstand wind — as well as for cultural reasons. A circle is egalitarian, he said, and every person in a circle has an equal right to be heard regardless of age or rank.
Several classes created teepees, decorated with symbols reflecting their interests. Each was added to a circular village in the gym, facing east in tribute to the nurturing sun, Heap of Birds said.
Fourth– and fifth-grader considered the idea that we are more closely influenced by our family’s past than linear history would indicate. Students wrote names of family members in colorful spirals to show that though generations may have passed, we are shaped by our family’s experiences.
The LMC purchased a copy of Heap of Birds’ book so students can learn more about Native American history and see more examples of his work.