Storytelling series begins

Visit Travelers’ Rest State Park near Lolo to honor and celebrate the age-old Salish tradition of sharing history through stories during the winter months. Programs take place from 11:00 a.m. until noon on Saturdays during January, February and March at the Holt Museum and Visitor Center at Travelers’ Rest

Nez Perce Tribal Ethnographer Josiah Pinkham kicks off the series on Saturday, Jan. 8 as he shares stories, history, culture and other very early oral traditions from the Nimiipuu (Nez Perce) people. Raised on the Nez Perce reservation in Lapwai, Idaho, Pinkham graduated with honors from Lewis and Clark College with a degree in Native American Studies and Psychology.

On Saturday, January 15, Salish Elder and tribal member, Frances Vanderburg, will share Salish stories, language, family history and oral traditions.   She will focus on the significance of unique names and roles of both maternal and paternal family members while touching on her childhood experiences. Frances is a Salish language teacher, who has worked in the Arlee Community for over thirty-five years, including the Salish Kootenai College and Arlee Elementary School.

Admission to the programs is $3 per adult, and children under 18 and all current Travelers’ Rest Preservation and Heritage Association (TRPHA) members are free.  Complimentary refreshments are served at all programs.

For a detailed line-up of the Winter Storytelling Series, visit the Travelers’ Rest Web site at travelersrest.org, email info@travelersrest.org or call 406-273-4253. To reach the park, travel approximately 1/2 mile west of Lolo on Highway 12.

Courtesy of Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks