Berry Song by Michaela Goade (Little, Brown and Company). Illustrations © 2022 Michaela Goade.
Entwined Memory: Indigenous Stories of Creation, Place, and Continuity
Memories are threads we weave together to form stories. For many Indigenous communities across North America, storytelling has helped sustain collective memories for generations. Despite continuous efforts to control and erase Indigenous narratives, Native peoples have proudly proclaimed their histories and identities through stories. Sharing stories knits us together, ties us to those who came before, and helps us pass on the threads of tradition, culture, and knowledge.
Curated by Eleanor Stolzoff, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, 2025 Special Project Trinkett Clark Intern
What to Expect
This exhibition features picture books written and illustrated by Indigenous people from across North America. Three thematic sections guide visitors and help them consider how their own memories are braided with stories, experiences of the natural world, and dreams for the future. Special interactive components presented on the library including Indigenous art activity books, the Make a Memory Box activity, and the Make a Guiding Quilt activity invite visitors to learn, share, and create with memories and their imagination.
Creation
The first section entitled “Creation” features traditional creation, origin, and trickster stories that tie Indigenous communities to the past and teach important lessons.
Waa’aka’: The Bird Who Fell in Love with the Sun written by Cindi M. Alvitre and illustrated by Carly Lake (Heyday). Text © 2020 Cindi Alvitre and illustrations © 2020 Carly Lake.
Place
The second section, “Place,” explores relationships with lands, waters, plants, and animals that hold memories of both belonging and loss.
Berry Song by Michaela Goade (Little, Brown and Company). Illustrations © 2022 Michaela Goade.
Continuity
The last section, “Continuity,” highlights indigenous youth and community who use food, language, art, dance, and music to help craft their identities and futures.
Rock Your Mocs written by Laurel Goodluck and illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight (Heartdrum). Text © 2023 Laurel Goodluck and illustrations © 2023 Madelyn Goodnight.
