The nature trail at the Frisco Native American Museum & Natural History Center will echo with the haunting music of drums when Native Journeys Music & Dance Festival takes place on April 27 and 28.
Natives and visitors will travel to the beautiful wind-swept shores of Hatteras Island for a weekend of music, dancing, storytelling, demonstrations, crafts, native food, and much, more.
The festival opens at 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday, with multiple activities taking place every hour.
Renowned drum group NaMaWoChi will share their music throughout the weekend. Visitors will have an opportunity to make their own rattle and use it in the dance circle, to have their faces “tattooed” with removable ink, talk with a storyteller, play a Native-American flute, share the elders’ circle, see dance demonstrations — including the hula with Ha Aheo O Hawai, and join in friendship dances.
Other sessions will include information on the natives of Hatteras Island, Native languages, the impact of Native-American music in popular culture, and techniques for making Yaupon tea, herbs.
There will even be a rattle-making class on Saturday! A number of Native artists will be working at their craft booths providing both beautiful items for sale and on-site demonstrations. Native food will also be available on site. Plan to bring a lawn chair and spend the day!
Activities will begin at 10 a.m. both days. Admission: Children under 5 Free; Seniors and School-age Children $3; Adults $5; Special Family Rate: $15.
The event marks the 33rd year the museum has been open to the public. Founded by Carl and Joyce Bornfriend, and housed in a building with the center section dating back to 1880, the museum has grown from three rooms to twelve galleries, books store, and classroom with a nature trail winding through several acres of maritime forest.
Galleries include information on Native American cultures from across the United States as well as a gallery on the original inhabitants of Hatteras Island.
A longhouse and examples of early village life can be seen on the nature trail. A dugout canoe, under construction, also presents an opportunity for visitors to add their touch by using clam shells to help shape the inside.
Summer workshops and special classes are available as part of museum admission and plans for the future include annual Native Journey events. Plans are already underway for a Native Journeys Survival Skills Weekend in 2020.
Located on Hatteras Island, the museum is open 10:30 a.m.—5:00 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays for the winter. The regular six days a week schedule will resume on April 16, 2019. For more information, visit www.nativeamericanmuseum.org or call 252-995-4440.
