Charlestown students learn about American Indians

Clark County

Related Photos

Discussion

November 24, 2006

By JOSEPH LORD The News and Tribune Fri Nov 24, 2006, 04:32 PM EST

The children hushed as Anthony Redfeather Nava began to beat his drum. He paced the floor as the students watch, wide-eyed.

“Listen closely to my words,” he said.

Redfeather spoke to students at Pleasant Ridge Elementary School in Charlestown on Wednesday about American Indian culture. He told them a story — “Why does the dog chase his tail?” — and showed them instruments and other American Indian tools.

He educates young people about American Indian culture to battle discrimination. Racism — he said before the presentation — begins when people are young.

For starters, Redfeather told the students not to use the phrase “Native American.”

“We don’t like that,” he said before the presentation. “It’s too general.”

He told the children to use the phrase Native American Indian.

Kindergarten teacher Erica Nalley used the presentation to augment her class lessons. Her class in recent weeks has learned about American Indians and also the Thanksgiving holiday.

“This gives them a better understanding,” Nalley said.

November is American Indian Heritage Month.

Behind her, the children laughed as Redfeather — who lives in New Albany and presents to about 150 elementary schools each year — began telling his story.

“They really enjoy it,” Nalley said.