American Indian storytellers to be at library

Altus Times | American Indian storytellers to be at library:

American Indian storytellers, Will Hill and Jehnean Washington, of Mahenwahdose, will be returning to the Altus Public Library Thursday, June 8 at 1 p.m. as part of the Summer Reading Program, "Paws, Claws, Scales and Tales." The appearance of Will and Jehnean is made possible, in part, by a grant from the Oklahoma Arts Council and many local supporters of the library's summer program. "The program is free and open to everyone in the community and if you have never heard Will and Jahnean's stories, you really must make plans to attend! They are really wonderful performers and a great treat for the whole family," according to Katy Sheppard, Public Relations Coordinator for the library. "People keep asking us when we are going to bring them back," said Sheppard.

"Enjoy comedy the Indian way, as language, song , and storytelling create a program of all ages to enjoy" said Hill, a full-blood Muscogee/Cherokee. Hill is a graduate of the College of Santa Fe and is the traditional "Nagonagoee Oni-yah (storyteller) in his generation. Hill told his first story at the age of 4. Since then he has traveled and performed all over the United States. He has appeared in movies and television and was voted "Favorite Indian Performer" in Oklahoma in a poll taken by "Native American Times."

Hill has a wonderful melodic voice when telling the stories that were passed down from generation to generation in his family. He has recorded his stories in the tapes, "Oklahoma Treasure Tales." Two of his family's stories are also featured in the book Spider Spins A Story, published by Northland Publishers.