PROJECT FOR INTERPRETIVE CULTURAL RESOURCE
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| Pencil drawing by visiting camper at Monadnock State Park, Jaffrey, New Hampshire |
Submitted
by: James B. Beard
PROJECT FOR INTERPRETIVE CULTURAL RESOURCE
Proposal / Purpose
Proposing a Cultural Interpretive Program
to enhance cultural knowledge. This project would be open to anyone.
Offering
a cultural educational resource for all people based on the traditional
teachings of the Algonquin / Anishinaabe people native to the North Eastern and
North Central areas of North America. To encourage personal and community
implementation of a value based manner of living that will guide toward respect
of all life, each other and the natural laws of our existence.
Educational programs to do
with environment, culture, traditional teachings and wilderness survival would
be offered. Focus is
to be on understanding Native American Culture to enhance values for
individuals and community. The physical area
developed would be utilized by anyone in the community wishing to learn or
experience indigenous cultural understanding. The area would be available to
teachers offering programs relating to natural teachings from all forms of
beliefs and science.
A
variety of programs would be formed and staffed by volunteer Native craft
people.(Volunteers and conductors would receive stipend for their
contributions) Various crafting would be done depending on availability of
experienced craft persons to do with making of Native tools and objects.
Leather work and tanning, drums, shakers, beading, weaving, baskets, dream
catchers, pouches and other projects will be offered in structured classes as
well as on demand by individuals seeking to learn certain crafts.
The desired
physical area to establish this program would be an open area (near water would
be preferred) large enough to accommodate several small structures. Structures placed in the area would consist
of: Teepee, Wigwam, Long House, Healing Lodge, Central Fire, Cooking fire area
Project work area and ten Picnic Tables and/or traditional work covered lean-to
covered areas. Any facility with utilities such as bathrooms, kitchen and inside
cover would be beneficial but not absolutely required.
The
program mission is to encourage all people to accept one another with wisdom,
respect, humility, honesty, love, strength and truth. To help all life in
coming to know where we come from and where we will go in order to understand
where we are.
Elder Mentoring
Tribal Elders and visiting Elders are encouraged to take part in mentoring to the people that attend programs. Elders are invited to teach or share experiences that will guide others in a quality based manner of living.
Tribal Elders and visiting Elders are encouraged to take part in mentoring to the people that attend programs. Elders are invited to teach or share experiences that will guide others in a quality based manner of living.
Cultural Story Telling
Native American people tell sacred stories
as a way of keeping coherence in culture. The stories become a foundation of
shared understanding of the general nature of life upon which their societies
are built. Native American drums, shakers and flutes are often used to enhance
the delivery of the story. Stories contain wisdom and hope, and shape societies
in profound ways.
Crafting
Native American people make their own items including:
clothing, jewelry, tools, and weapons. Crafting projects can include beading,
braiding, leather pouch making, basket making, dream catchers, drums, shakers
and flutes.
Workshops
Workshops are designed to present a value system as it
has been adhered to over millennia by peoples of the American Continent. The
purpose being to demonstrate an ethical culture that lives in harmony with all
things. The values of these people demonstrate principles that can improve the
balance of our society.
Medicine Wheel – A Traditional
Record of Life Teachings
Animal Talk – Understanding nature and what it can tell you
Indian Lodges – Everything has a lesson to teach
Animal Talk – Understanding nature and what it can tell you
Indian Lodges – Everything has a lesson to teach
Talking Circles
Talking
Circles have been used by many indigenous cultures, particularly in the Native
American traditions. A talking circle is a method used by a group to discuss a
topic in an egalitarian and non-confrontational
manner or to simply "check-in" about what is present for them in
their lives. The group members sit in a circle and make comment on the topic of
the discussion.
STRUCTURES
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| Monadnock State Park, New Hampshire |
- Near the entry of the project area setting a tone of Native welcoming to visitors.
- To be utilized for various teaching programs.
- Canvas covered tepee instead of birch bark.
- Placement in area near central fire. A rounded shape dwelling and covered in birch bark or canvas. (Algonquin style)
- Usable as a gathering spot or for overnight shelter for some programs.
- Used as a teaching tool with visitors. Students are often brought into the lodge when it is not covered to explain what the lodge is for and what it represents. The public is not brought into the lodge when it is being used for Native ceremony. (It is a functioning lodge)
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| Monadnock State Park, New Hampshire |
- A teaching lodge style structure would be constructed to provide shelter and shade over the present picnic tables used in our craft area.
- A schedule of crafting programs would be available to park visitors. Craft programs would include.
- Making of leather pouches, dream catchers, drums, shakers, basket making, bead working and other Native oriented crafts. (Only cost for supplies would be charged, ie. Crafts supplies can be procured and sold through parks or obtained and sold direct by craftsmen)
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| Monadnock State Park, New Hampshire |
Teaching Lodge structure
- Structure area would be 35’ X 25’ made of bent saplings in a rectangular shape with entry openings at east and western end. It would be partially covered to provide shade for crafting projects and protection from rain.
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| Monadnock State Park, New Hampshire |
- A typical ceremonial fire pit used while storytelling and set up in a Native traditional way. (fire permits would be required for the lodge fire pit, central fire pit and cooking ring pit).
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| Ceremony Fire Pit at Monadnock State Park, New Hampshire |
History
Team Coordinator: James Beard aka
Noodin
Started
in 2006 with a fire and storytelling weekly at the state park campground area.
In 2010 a new campground area was established and opened to the public at the
Gilson Pond entry of Monadnock State Park. A small section of the picnic area
in the field looking out over Mt Monadnock (Great Spirit / mountain that stands
alone) was offered for a fire pit and storytelling area. During the summer
camping season the campers and visitors of the park have been offered a story
telling program on Saturday evenings. Many visitors to the park have returned
to hear the stories of the Native American people as told by James Beard a.k.a.
Noodin, cultural story teller, author of White Mocs on the Red Road / Walking
Spirit in a Native Way.
During the summer of 2011, the program was expanded to include a ceremony
fire area, lodge, birch bark wigwam, cooking fire pit and a crafting area under
tarp cover.
·
Response by the public has been positive in
all respects. Interest in the program and attendance for interpretive
storytelling has been strong. More than 800 visitors to the park attended
storytelling events in 2011. Many attendees were return campers as well as
people visiting the park from the neighboring communities to attend the
program.
·
The cover page drawing was an artist
rendering of the teepee. Many visitors drive through just to see the teepee.
·
The programs, maintenance of the area and
construction is done by participants in the program under the guidance and
mentoring of Elders.
1. Project Initiation
Past programs have established interest of the public for this program.
The project coordinator, James Beard, has a large resource of Native craftsmen
volunteers who are committed to provide their talents and energy. The materials
needed are on hand. Any additional materials needed to implement the project
can be obtained locally.
2. Quality criteria
- All project work will be done subject to approval of the Administration.
- The coordinator, James Beard, will be responsible to oversee all
structures and areas utilized for the project.
- Schedules for program activities will be provided by the
coordinator, James Beard, in advance and subject to approval of Administration.
Project
Tolerances
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Tolerance
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Amount
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Time
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Area set up Spring
Initiate programs in June
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Cost
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Minimal cost program. Actual cost to the
provider depends on the extent of the program.
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Risk
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Program is low risk.
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Benefit
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Enriches experience for the community
Provides a platform for Educational and
Interpretive programs
Encourages preservation of traditional
heritage
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Scope
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Traditional
heritage and introduction of value based programs for all people.
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Quality
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This program is provided for and overseen
by people who posses teachings from Native elders of Algonquin Language based
tribes in the United States and Canada. Focus is on north eastern tribes.
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Project
Management Team Structure
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Role
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Named Individual(s)
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Role Description
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Management
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Administrative
Division
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All program
development and implementation subject to approval
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Program
Coordinator
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James Beard
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Set up,
implementation, maintaining of grounds and programs. Coordination of
volunteers.
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Volunteers
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Various craftsmen
and helpers
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Subject to
Program Coordinator
Provide crafting
knowledge to visitor participants
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Supplier(s)
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Craftsmen, Craft
Outlets, Native communities
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Supplies may be
procured by the program provider and sold to visitors as needed for crafts or
the individual crafters may charge the visitors for materials being used.
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3. Coordinator Qualifications
James B. Beard
8 Main Street Phone
: 603-261-7228
P.O. Box 602 Email : noodin@northeastcultural.com
Amherst, NH 03031
Objective Presenter /
Consultant
Experience: Speaks on
topics such as traditional living and natural spirit teachings. Topics address
many concerns to do with wellness and balance in life. A student of native
teachings from Ojibwa Elders, Algonquin language based people, living
throughout the Great Lakes Region of the US and Canada. The audiences for his presentations
vary from youth to elderly. Elder, Larry Matrious, of Lake Lena Reservation in
Minnesota is Jim’s teacher and has given him Algonquin teachings of traditional
culture, language and ceremony for more than twenty years.
January 1999 – Present
Author, Cultural Story Teller,
Native Cultural Consultant
·
James B. Beard aka Noodin
Grand Monadnock, Jaffrey, New
Hampshire
·
Best
Sellers:
White Mocs on the Red Road ~ Walking Spirit in a Native Way @ http://www.northeastcultural.com/WhiteMocsontheRedRoad.htm
Articles:
Woodpecker Came to Visit! @: www.Selfgrowth.com
Outdoors , age nine @: www.Selfgrowth.com
Golden Eagle ~ What You Say! @: www.Selfgrowth.com & www.lulu.com
Videos:
The story of the Life Stick @ http://www.youtube.com/my_videos?feature=mhee
Founder: Northeast American Cultural Resource / www.northeastcultural.com
White Mocs on the Red Road ~ Walking Spirit in a Native Way @ http://www.northeastcultural.com/WhiteMocsontheRedRoad.htm
Articles:
Woodpecker Came to Visit! @: www.Selfgrowth.com
Outdoors , age nine @: www.Selfgrowth.com
Golden Eagle ~ What You Say! @: www.Selfgrowth.com & www.lulu.com
Videos:
The story of the Life Stick @ http://www.youtube.com/my_videos?feature=mhee
Founder: Northeast American Cultural Resource / www.northeastcultural.com
2005 – Present New Hampshire Department of Resource Jaffrey, NH
State Park
·
Assigned to Park Ranger staff 2007 at
Mt. Monadnock State Park. Duties are
daily ranger duties in park campground & trails. Mountain patrol & rescue on mountain.
·
Camp host in campgrounds at Mt.
Monadnock from April to November.
·
Park interpreter at Mt. Monadnock,
Greenfield, Pillsbury & Pawtuckaway State Parks presenting Legends of the
People (Native American Stories, ecological information & native flute
music).
2003 – Present Northeast American Cultural Resource Amherst, NH
Independent Website
Information Service
·
Resolved
to make services available to all people to aid in the understanding of Native
American people living in a traditional way. Efforts are intended to
assist in a movement of the traditional teachings to help all people live a
balanced life.
1991 – 2004 Beard
Insurance Agency, LLC Amherst,
NH
Insurance
Agent/Owner
·
Established and managed insurance
agency offering property, casualty, auto, life and health insurance products to
commercial and individual consumers.
This is an independent agency under contract with fifteen insurance
companies.
4.
References
Recommendations
For James
To
Whom It May Concern:
It
is an honour for me to write this letter of recommendation for James
"Noodin" Beard.
I
have known him personally for 3 years and before that, I was familiar with his
style
of teaching through his book, White Mocs on the Red Road. Words that
describe
him
are: profound, insightful, humorous, and wise storyteller. As department chair
of
world languages, French teacher and as high school advisor for the foreign
exchange students
through
AFS, I had the privilege to host James as a teacher and storyteller
who
could represent native culture in a good way. In particular, the traditional
teaching
style through story-telling and songs, through sacred objects like the
drum,
the rattle and herbs, our students at Berea-Midpark High School as well as
international
students
were able to gain an understanding of first nation, Anishnaabe culture through
direct experience.
Especially
at this time, when a more ecologically sustainable way of life is being called
for,
to have Jim share the older, Earth-based ways was both inspiring and healing
for
teachers,
administrators and students alike. What remains with me as I am writing this
letter
now are the 7 virtues embedded in all the stories of: honesty, love, truth,
wisdom, respect,
humility
and bravery and how important it is for the next generation to be reminded of
the
teachings that have helped humanity for centuries.
He
comes to you with my highest recommendation.
Sincerely,
F.
Christopher Reynolds, M.Ed.
Berea-Midpark
High School
Ursuline
College
Ashland
University
440-876-7610 spiriman@aim.com
To
Whom It May Concern:
It
is an honor for me to write this letter of recommendation for James
"Noodin" Beard.
I
have known him personally for 3 years and before that, I was familiar with his
style
of teaching through his book, White Mocs on the Red Road. Words that
describe
him
are: profound, insightful, humorous, and wise storyteller. As department chair
of
world languages, French teacher and as high school advisor for the foreign
exchange students
through
AFS, I had the privilege to host James as a teacher and storyteller
who
could represent native culture in a good way. In particular, the traditional
teaching
style through story-telling and songs, through sacred objects like the
drum,
the rattle and herbs, our students at Berea-Midpark High School as well as
international
students
were able to gain an understanding of first nation, Anishaabe culture through
direct experience.
Especially
at this time, when a more ecologically sustainable way of life is being called
for,
to have Jim share the older, Earth-based ways was both inspiring and healing
for
teachers,
administrators and students alike. What remains with me as I am writing this
letter
now are the 7 virtues embedded in all the stories of: honesty, love, truth,
wisdom, respect,
humility
and bravery and how important it is for the next generation to be reminded of
the
teachings that have helped humanity for centuries.
He
comes to you with my highest recommendation.
Sincerely,
F.
Christopher Reynolds, M.Ed.
Berea-Midpark
High School
Ursuline
College
Ashland
University
440-876-7610
spiriman@aim.com
To
whom it may concern;
I
first met Jim when I was an intern with the SCA in the NH Parks
system. I struggled with one aspect of that job; leading interpretive
programs in one of the park campgrounds. Jim was an inspiration! His
story-telling programs were engaging, informative, entertaining,
interactive; everything a novice could strive for. When I had the
chance to manage a park a few years later, I was eager to have Jim
come visit and do a program or two.
Jim's story telling helps the audience build connections; you leave
the circle feeling connected to a cultural and natural history that is
shared by everybody.
system. I struggled with one aspect of that job; leading interpretive
programs in one of the park campgrounds. Jim was an inspiration! His
story-telling programs were engaging, informative, entertaining,
interactive; everything a novice could strive for. When I had the
chance to manage a park a few years later, I was eager to have Jim
come visit and do a program or two.
Jim's story telling helps the audience build connections; you leave
the circle feeling connected to a cultural and natural history that is
shared by everybody.
Vermont
Parks Manager, Underhill State Park
leonardmead@gmail.com
To whom it may
concern;
Jim is a long time
friend and business associate. Our paths first crossed when he was a
professional in the insurance industry. At the time I noticed something special
in Jim. He really cares about people and the world we live in.
In the late
eighties Jim took a turn that I, at first, did not understand, He began to take
a different path in life learning from Native American Elders. As he progressed
down that path it became clear that this was more than a passing interest for
him. He has come to be well known for his work teaching and sharing Native
tradition and values. Jim has made a bridge between people seeking to help
others to understand and respect one another. His work with the Native
population is not without notice and many of the programs that he offers are in
conjunction with eastern tribes such as the Maliseet, Mic’Mac, Abenaki and
others. He also provides programs to schools and youth correctional facilities
around the country.
The message Jim
conveys is simple. Respect all things, love all life and be gentle on this
Earth. The program Jim is offering will truly help many people to understand
one another as well as their own personal being. The knowledge he carries is
guided by many Native Elders who assist him in his efforts. That is truly unique!
Carl Weil
Master Fellow –
Academy of Wilderness Medicine
Director at
Wilderness Medicine Outfitters
2477 County Road
132
Elizabeth,
Colorado
303-688-5176 Carl@wildernessmedicine.com
To whom it may concern;
It is a rare and precious thing to find one who speaks as Spirit flows.
Wisdom arises in every word, simple, surprising, refreshing. His book, White
Mocs on the Red Road is a must read for anyone seeking deeper meaning in life.
Jim Beard, also known as Noodin, is a gifted story teller, a talented teacher
and a beautiful soul. I cannot recommend him highly enough.
Jim's
knack for connecting on a deep level with all ages makes him a superb teacher,
and his understanding of the native cultures equips him to meet a broad
spectrum of challenges, and to convey teachings of profound value.
Hannah Thomas
Heart Rising Radio
Cambridge, England
To
whom it may concern
I highly recommend James Beard, aka Noodin. He and I have co-facilitated
heart-centered circles and I am always so moved by the depths of his stories
and how they move me and touch others in the group. He is surely following his
heart's guidance in the work he is called to do in this world to support the
People and the Planet. I highly recommend that you attend an event with Noodin
and read his book "White Mocs on the Red Road: Walking Spirit in a Native
Way". The story has so many teachings interwoven within it that will touch
you on many levels and stir something deep in your soul. I feel honored to know
James 'Noodin' Beard and highly endorse him and his work.
Senior
Reviewer at College for America of Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
Heart Wealth Creation Coach, Packard Productions
New London, NH
Donnapackard@aol.com
To whom it may concern
I have worked with Jim on a research project about Native American
culture and history. I have attended many Native American events at which Jim
has been both facilitator and teacher. Jim is greatly talented as a writer,
story-teller and lecturer. He is great with all ages, his wisdom is appreciated
by many in our community in New Hampshire as well as across the United States.
Jim has much to offer to anyone that is seeking wisdom and guidance with respect to Native American culture and history.
Jim has much to offer to anyone that is seeking wisdom and guidance with respect to Native American culture and history.
Peterborough,
NH
NH
Division of Parks and Recreation
172
Pembroke Road
PO
Box 1856
Concord, NH 03302-1856
RE: Fabulous Program at Monadnock State
Park
I
attended a program last Saturday that was not only informative, but inspiring.
As a program developer and presenter with over 15 years of experience and
having attended hundreds of programs throughout the northeast and elsewhere, including
programs at Pinkham Notch and multiple National Parks, I was impressed with
what I learned and witnessed.
In
one hour, I learned more about our regional Native American cultures than I’ve
probably learned in all the hours I’ve spent watching and reading from various
other sources (including such maligned greats as Disney’s Pocahontas and Kevin
Costner’s Dances With Wolves, along with more accurate information acquired
from trips to Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon and dozens of other resources/exposures).
From the meaning of various names that grace our own hills and mountains, to
traditions of people who came before us and passed along their medicinal
knowledge, to all around good tales that offer a lesson or two, the program was
not only broad, but had depth and meaning. Sure I’ve heard of the Algonquin,
Ojibway, and Abenaki and have imagined I knew enough about them. And I know
that I can jump on the Internet, hit Google, and come up with a gazillion
resources. I had realized before that Merrimack, Wapack, and Monadnock are all
derived from Native American words, but to hear the stories told by a
knowledgeable individual who captures the essence of the persona brought new
meanings and understanding. To experience the stories in that intimate setting,
in those special surroundings with a fire burning brightly as a backdrop was
much more memorable. When we were informed that “MAANG” means the “loon” (as
indicated on the license plate of our storyteller identifying him as a member
of the “loon clan”), there was a car starting its engine. And just then in the
distance, I actually heard the loon calling. Not an unusual sound to be heard
on our nearby ponds, but the timing was impeccable and perhaps more than
coincidental. Then, while he was spinning his tale of “Ginyu” listening to the
breeze that created haunting sound in the pines, “Noodin” picked up his flute
and played a wistful tune reminiscent of nature at her finest. At that very
moment, the previously nonexistent breeze actually started blowing through the
tops of the pines and hemlocks above our heads, and it went away as that story
ended. It was eerie, yet quite moving and enjoyable.
There
were 20 guests of various ages gathered around the storyteller that evening in
front of the fire; and while the couple with the two youngest children had to
leave a bit early, the rest sat raptly as the wise old narrator wove his tales
and passed around artifacts that enhanced the experience – a hand carved
walking stick, a handcrafted rattle that easily took on various roles in the
story, a flute that didn’t need sheet music to render beautiful tunes, and a
simple drum that acted as thunder and took on a spirit of its own (with what I
assumed was a genuine animal skin stretched across its breadth).
It
may not be for everyone, but this program and others that offer new insight and
experiences that people crave so much in today’s cookie cutter, computer-driven
world are exactly what we need to hold onto, to encourage, and to maximize in
order to continue enticing urban visitors to our beautiful NH outdoors. I urge
you and the Division to find a way to continue offering this inspiring program
and to expand programming efforts in the parks that will add to the value and
enjoyment.
Best regards,
Brenda Bhatti
Jaffrey, NH
5. Approvals
Prepared By James B. Beard
__________________________________
This document requires
the following approvals
Approved By __________________________________
__________________________________
Approval Date __________________________________
“To be centered is to stand alone together” Noodin
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