Indigenous Storytelling at Chief Oshkosh Mini Bowl

Every remaining Wednesday and Saturday through the end of July, Coleen Bins is hosting gatherings in the amphitheater (Chief Oshkosh Mini Bowl) behind her gallery and studio, Chief Oshkosh Native American Arts. Located at the base of the hill in Egg Harbor on Highway 42, it’s easy to find. Invite friends and families to enjoy one or more of these special evening performances, which begin at 7:30 pm and continue until dark. A collection of $10 per performance supports renovation of the theater space where Creation Stories from different tribes will feature the following storytellers.

On July 20 & 27, learn about the Southeast Woodland People from Weeya Smith, an enrolled tribal member of the Echota Cherokee Tribe of Alabama. Smith is an artist, storyteller, traditional dancer, educator and motivational speaker. Weeya shares the traditional stories taught to her by her elders and loves sharing them with others.

On July 16, 23 & 30, one of this summer’s featured storytellers Stephenie Muscavitch VanEvery (daughter of Coleen Bins) will share Creation Stories. All of her stories have Iroquois origin and are based on living in balance with the natural world. She is Oneida from the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin tribe, teacher at Oneida Schools, and member of the Turtle Clan. Kaluhyak^le’ (Stephenie Muscavitch VanEvery) has been learning and sharing stories at many venues including The Chief Oshkosh Mini Bowl and The Indian Summer Festival. Kaluhyak^le’ has since been a language trainee and is currently enrolled in the Tsi Niyukwalihota Oneida Immersion Program. She consistently shares her talents with the community through culture sharing presentations.

All of these family friendly performances help support the restoration of the outdoor theater space, where Chief Oshkosh himself hosted his own storytelling sessions from the 1950s to the 1970s. Attend these gatherings and, in doing so you make a contribution to keep history alive in Egg Harbor, and broaden the understanding of various native cultures indigenous to the Americas.