Stories of the Elders

Children listen to traditional Native American stories

NPS Photo

Date: February 5, 2013
Contact: Kathryn Harrison, 580-497-2742

Washita Battlefield National Historic Site is pleased to announce that Mrs. Emma Lou Standing Water Brewer will begin the first of a three-week series, Stories of the Elders program, Wednesday, February 13th. "For over 30 years, I have been honored to share a little bit of my heritage with elementary students in Elk City. Now, I am looking forward to sharing my experiences with the Stories of the Elders program in Cheyenne," Mrs. Brewer said.

In the following two weeks, February 20th and 27th, Roman Nose State Park interpretive ranger Minoma Littlehawk Sills will serve as the guest storyteller. The park invites everyone to come out to the visitor center to hear these Cheyenne women recount those tales which showcase the rich culture and traditions of the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribe.

The program is scheduled to start at 3:30 PM. Everyone is invited to come, sit down by the fire, and listen to Mrs. Brewer and Mrs. Littlehawk Sills as they share the stories passed down to them through the years.

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Washita Battlefield National Historic Site protects and interprets the setting along the Washita River where Lt. Col. George A. Custer led the 7th U.S. Cavalry on a surprise dawn attack against the Southern Cheyenne village of Peace Chief Black Kettle on November 27, 1868. The attack was an important event in the tragic clash of cultures of the Indian Wars era. The site is located in western Oklahoma near the town of Cheyenne, halfway between Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and Amarillo, Texas. The park's new visitor center is located one mile west of Cheyenne on Highway 47A. For more information, call 580-497-2742 or check www.nps.gov/waba.

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