Go Native!!!

One of the many joys of homeschooling is FIELD TRIP DAY and we have been looking forward to and preparing for this one for days. We were told to "Go Native!!!" at the Native American Festival at the Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville. The way one "Goes Native" is by using your highest voice and repeating "lululululu" over and over. We were told that the whole slapping yourself in the mouth to make an Indian noise is totally incorrect and that this "mouth boxing" was made up on tv. It was explained that an Indian could never steer a horse, carry a weapon and do the ridiculous mouth slapping at the same time. Makes sense, doesn't it? So don't do this as a Native American gesture, it's totally inappropriate! I found this information good to know. I also found the repeated "lulu lulu lulu" in a high pitch voice, a useful thing for around the house, since we call Alora "LuLu". Now when I need her---"lululululululu"! Awesome!

As soon as we arrived the Native American dancing began--my favorite! The kids sat attentively as they watched "hoop dancing", "war dancing" ,"fancy dancing", and "gentleman dancing".

All of the music was performed live, no pre-recorded cd blaring from above; I really appreciated that. The drumming and singing was cool!

The kids really enjoyed sampling the Indian stew and flatbread that tasted like donuts--mmm. The only problem was that when they say sample, they mean sample. We would later break for Burger King to fill up our bellies.

An Indian flutist played many songs on his hand-carved flute. From the moment this man stepped up to the microphone, I was mezmorized by his Native American Indian accent, appearance and authenticity. His music was beautiful.

The kids received a lesson in Indian weaponry and found out how to make a knife from a buffalo rib. So if you ever have any menacing buffalo near your home, Andrew can take care of business and you can receive new cutlery!

We learned Native American sign language.


CAT!



DOG!

RABBIT!

MOOSE!

BEAR!

We checked out the exhibits where we found one of my favorite things--ringtails! I read "Where the Red Fern Grows" for the first time two years ago and added the word "ringtail" to my vocabulary. Love em'!

What's a Native American Festival without a tepee!

The kids loved the arrowhead display.

What a fun and educational day!