Native stories return to Nevada State Museum

A bit of history and culture will come to life Saturday afternoon as the Nevada State Museum is filled with the sound of traditional Washoe tribal stories.

"Our Native American storytelling programs have been extremely popular with museum audiences," said Deborah Stevenson, curator of education. "These live presentations of stories and songs are a truly wonderful way of experiencing part of the native culture."

Because of the popularity of previous programs, the museum has been forced to turn patrons away but hopes a change in scheduling will help accommodate a large turnout.

In January, the museum held a similar program featuring Northern Paiute stories and songs and was forced to turn away more than 100 people because of safety- and fire- code restrictions.

"The last time we did this it was so successful. This time we broke it down into two sessions," said Bob Nylen, curator of history.

The sessions will start at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Saturday. Regular museum admission is required for the program and costs $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and is free for children under 18.

Native Americans Melba Rakow, Keith Wyatt and Stephen James will present stories and songs in two languages: English and Washoe. The storytellers, members of the Washoe Language Program, will share time-honored tribal stories used to pass on the learning and wisdom of the old ways.

"It's a great opportunity to hear these stories. Many people who come to our area don't know about the tribal peoples and their traditions, and this is a way to keep them alive," Nylen said.

The program celebrates the traditional American Indian ways of Northern Nevada and complements the "Under One Sky: Nevada's Native American Heritage" exhibit.

"It goes well with our 'Under One Sky' exhibit, and with two sessions taking place people can tour the exhibits in the museum before or after their session," Nylen said.

The program is being sponsored by the Nevada Arts Council's Folklife Program.

-- Contact reporter Jarid Shipley at jshipley@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1217.

If you go

What: Traditional stories and songs of the Washoe Tribe

When: 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Saturday

Where: Nevada State Museum, 600 N. Carson St.

COST: $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and free for children under 18

INFO: 687-4810 ext. 237