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STORY TIME WITH UŊČÍ & LALÁ
Josie Dances
July 30 @ 10:30 am - 11:30 am
Join us for Story Time every Tuesday at 10:30 AM CDT. While the program is designed for elementary-age children, stories read by elders from the Lakota and Dakota communities will be captivating for children of all ages.
Today our story is Josie Dances, written by Denise Lajimodiere, illustrated by Angela Erdrich and published by the Minnesota Historical Society Press; (May 2021).
About the story: Josie dreams of dancing at next summer’s powwow. But first she needs many special things: a dress, a shawl, a cape, leggings, moccasins, and, perhaps most important of all, her spirit’s name. To gather all these essential pieces, she calls on her mom, her aunty, her kookum, and Grandma Greatwalker. They have the skills to prepare Josie for her powwow debut.
As the months go by, Josie practices her dance steps while Mom stitches, Aunty and Kookum bead, and Grandma Greatwalker dreams Josie’s spirit name. Josie is nervous about her performance in the arena and about all the pieces falling into place, but she knows her family is there to support her.
The powwow circle is a welcoming space, and dancers and spectators alike celebrate Josie’s first dance. When she receives her name, she knows it’s just right. Wrapped in the love of her community, Josie dances to honor her ancestors.
In this Ojibwe girl’s coming-of-age story, Denise Lajimodiere highlights her own daughter’s experience at powwow. Elegant artwork by Angela Erdrich features not only Josie and her family but also the animals and seasons and heartbeat of Aki, Mother Earth, and the traditions that link Josie to generations past and yet to come.
A cultural activity will follow the reading. The event is free and open to everyone – join the fun!