History & Culture Discussion  April 19, 2023

Summary: 
Traditions and Culture
Elder Gray discussed the importance of preserving Native American culture and traditions, such as art, weapons, and dances, and how to pass them down to the next generation. They also discussed the matriarchal system and respecting elders and authority figures. They also discussed the importance of having a pow-wow to invite other tribes and non-Indians to join in and learn about their culture.

Bailey Beard found a pottery bowl from the 1700s that belonged to a family member. They discussed possibly having classes to teach pottery and other traditional arts. They also discussed honoring their chairman with a proclamation and endowment fund. They discussed the loss of their language and the revival project of the Catawba tribe. They also discussed the term Native American being preferred to Indian. Lastly, they discussed the discovery of a canoe that validated the people and their history.

Daniel Sisemore is a Cherokee Sizemore, and his family has a long history of being from northeast Alabama. He has no way of proving his Cherokee heritage, but he is part of the family and is accepted as such. He has a sacred turkey feather that he found in his driveway, which he considers a gift from the turkey. Native Americans often wear traditional accessories to show pride in their cultural history, and specific customs and traditions are associated with them, such as not picking up a feather if you find one on the ground.

Native Americans have used traditional cooking methods, such as fire and leaves to steam food for centuries. This has been passed down through generations, but many people in modern society are unaware of these methods. Terry Legel and Elder Gray discussed the importance of learning these skills to survive difficult situations. They also discussed the health risks of fried bread, a popular food among Native Americans.

Elder Gray and Terry Legel discussed the different animals found in Virginia, the weapons used by Native Americans, and the need to take pictures of the artifacts they had collected. They also discussed the need to register any artifacts they had to sell as Native Americans. Elder Gray then concluded the meeting by reminding everyone to send pictures of their artifacts to him.

Elder Gray is discusses the similarities between different cultures and religions worldwide, and Daniel Sisemore shares his experience living with Indigenous people and learning about their beliefs. They also discuss the upcoming tribal meeting and Judy Reinheimer's upcoming trip to Kentucky. They end the meeting by wishing each other a good day.

Topics:
* Native American artifacts
* Developing a culture and traditions for the tribe
* Native American Traditions, Culture, and Regalia
* Native American cuisine
* Validating Native American identity and culture
* Understanding Indigenous People and their beliefs

Action Items:
* Create a list of traditions and cultures to present to the tribe
* Contact a family member to get a picture of a pottery bowl from the 1700s
* Research the origin of the Sizemore family
* Look up the link to the Native American chef show
* Take pictures of artifacts and send to RiverStone
* Take pictures of Indigenous artifacts and post them on the website

Key Questions:
* What is our culture based on?
* What is the closest language to the languages spoken in the New River area of Virginia?
* How do Native Americans acquire feathers for regalia and ornaments?
* What are some survival skills that can be taught?
* Is it illegal to own Native American artifacts without being a registered tribal member?
* What is the oldest relic of human existence in North America?

Join us in the forum and share answers to these questions and much more.