Story Time with Uŋčí & Lalá

🗓️ July 21 | 🕥 10:30 AM | 📍 Museum Bookstore | 🎟️ Free Admission

Join the Aktá Lakota Museum for another meaningful morning of storytelling, culture, and family fun during Story Time with Uŋčí & Lalá on Tuesday, July 21.

This week’s featured book is How the Birds Got Their Songs by Marcus Ammesmaki and Travis Zimmerman, illustrated by Sam Zimmerman, and published by the Minnesota Historical Society Press.

This treasured traditional story, shared in both English and Ojibwe, tells how the Great Spirit gave each bird its unique and beautiful song. Long ago, when Mother Earth was still young, the Great Spirit noticed how quiet the world seemed. Wanting to fill the earth with music, he gathered all the birds and challenged them to a contest: whichever bird could fly the highest would receive the prettiest song.

Passed down through author Travis Zimmerman’s family, this story shares traditional knowledge from the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. The vibrant illustrations by Grand Portage descendant Sam Zimmerman beautifully capture the movement and spirit of the birds, while Marcus Ammesmaki’s Ojibwemowin retelling encourages readers and language learners alike to connect with Indigenous language and storytelling traditions.

Perfect for children and families, this engaging story invites readers to appreciate the beauty of nature, the importance of humility, and the gift of birdsong all around us.

Following the reading, guests are invited to participate in interactive cultural activities designed for the whole family to enjoy. Stickers will also be available for everyone attending.

No registration is required—just come ready for a fun and meaningful learning experience celebrating American Indian storytelling and culture.