Grange Program series: “The Role of Solstice in Native Cultures”

Capital City Grange provides programs, from 5:00 to 6:00 PM, on the first Saturday even-numbered months from October to June–check this CCG website Calendar for upcoming topics, in October, December, February, April and June!

Dec. 4th program featured Patty Manning, on Native traditions around solstice

Patty is Wampanoag.  She says her teachings have been passed to her from Lakota tribal elders Grandfather Henry and Grandfather Dion, and also from Lakota tribal members Marian and Chubb Whitemouse.   Patty has been employed by the State of VT as a cultural interpreter at the State Parks and at the State Historical Center.  She has also made presentations at a number of schools and camps.
Patty also worked for six years at the Dawnland Center, a non-profit center for native people, where she conducted many ceremonies, as well as teaching with other staff, and helping to run three powwows a year.   Patty and her family also sang with a drum group which performed at powwows; she also led a drumming workshop at the VT Folklife Center.

We are pleased to be able to post a recording of Patty’s presentation on Zoom!

Grange lecturer Carl Etnier started the recording shortly after Patty began speaking, which was a little confusing for Patty!   Please let the video play, and it all works out.   All of us present in person, and those taking part via Zoom enjoyed  her open approach and willingness to discuss and answer questions very engaging and clearly “from the heart”.   Here’s the recording:

We will continue to provide Zoom access as long as needed, so that people can enjoy these educational/entertaining/thought-provoking discussions from home.   Depending on rates of COVID-19 transmission in Vermont, we will also welcome anyone to attend in person at the Grange Hall.  Please check the Calendar listings for an upcoming Grange meeting; we will post the most accurate information there.

We ask that only people who are fully vaccinated attend in person.   Anyone is also welcome to wear a mask as well!   We will be running the “Room Air Filter Boxes”, which are designed to remove about 85% of the particles that can carry COVID virus.

All Grange programs are free and open to the public!