Culture Story Educational Experiences
The Journey of the Freckled Indian book seeks to help children be proud of who they are and increase their confidence in their identity. The book helps to spread a message of belief and pride in yourself and your culture.
The virtual book readings and experiences help to create the conversation.
Further Synopsis
The story is about a mixed-race Tlingit girl who grows up outside of her community but gets made fun of after a classroom show-and-tell about her culture by her classmates because she doesn’t look like their idea of an Indian. So, her parents fly her to spend the summer with her Tlingit grandfather to learn about her culture and where her family comes from. Through her adventures fishing and exploring with her grandfather, as well as some interactions with Tlingit mythological characters, she develops a connection with the land and her heritage and gains a strong sense of who she is and where she comes from.
Overview
Culture Story provides culturally rooted, inspirational and educational workshops.
The typical format for workshops includes:
- Full group activities in which the material is introduced
- Small group breakouts for deeper discussion and exploration
- Q&A Session for further interaction
Virtual Educational Experiences Flyer
We ensure it will be an interactive, impactful and motivating event!
Connecting with Identity: Exploring Culture & Heritage
Includes reading of: "Journey of the Freckled Indian: A Tlingit Culture Story".
In this workshop we will discuss the following:
- What is culture?
- What does your culture mean to you?
- Importance of knowing who we are and where we come from
- How culture helps with feeling grounded and provides a sense of belonging
- How being a part of something greater than ourselves gives us purpose
- The role of youth as culture bearers, and our elders as teachers
- Brainstorm cultural preservation efforts and ways to honor our ancestors
- Bridging the worlds we live in
Engagement + Pricing
Kickstart Conversations about Identity
The Journey of the Freckled Indian children’s book pushes boundaries because it engages in the conversation of what it means to be Tlingit, Alaska Native and Native American in today’s world. The concept of identity is very multi-faceted and is not necessarily defined by skin color or blood quantum, but more through family heritage and a person’s involvement in their community.
This first Freckled Indian children’s book helps introduce children to the topic of identity as it pertains to who they are and where they come from, which is very important in constructing a sense of self-confidence. The book will also provide parents an opportunity to start a conversation with their children about how the outside world may not always see people for who they are, nevertheless, they must stand proud and draw that strength from inside themselves.
Virtual School Visit Facilitator(s)
Alyssa London
Author
Alyssa London is an Alaska Native Tlingit, which is a tribe from Southeast Alaska. She also has Czech and Norwegian heritage from her mother’s side. Her mixed ancestry is why she is fascinated with cultures and the concept of identity. Journey of the Freckled Indian is Alyssa’s first published children’s book.
