We've Got The County Covered
We've Got The County Covered
On Monday, January 31, the Harlem Public Library, in collaboration with Humanities Montana, will present "Connecting to Land Through a Tribal Lens." Although Humanities Montana speaker Lailani Upham will share her program at the library from 6:00-7:00 p,m., interested persons can also join the talk virtually.
Those participating, whether online or in-person, will gain insight from Upham, who is an Amskapi Pikuni tribal member from the Blackfeet Nation and a descendent from the Aaniiih, Nakoda, and Dakota tribes. She is a journalist, educator, and business developer in indigenous stories and culture.
From Upham's perspective, indigenous stories offer a unique way to understand the human connection to nature. Through discussion about indigenous peoples' lifeways, value systems, tribal languages, and stories created long before Montana was established in 1889, participants learn about a personal, soulful relationship to the natural world.
As Upham explains, tribal stories and ways of knowing can elevate others in their understanding of how identity elements sustain a culture through history and in modern times. Audience members often walk away with an appreciation for the landscape and with a fresh look at who they are. They may further ponder personal responsibility and stewardship to the earth through a tribal lens and discuss ways to act for future generations and in the interest of our natural world relations.
Anyone not able to gather at the Harlem Public Library for this presentation is welcome to join from a personal device using the Zoom link: https://umontana.zoom.us/j/91669672428. Links are available on either the library's website or Facebook Page.
For more information, interested individuals are encouraged to call the library at 406-353-2712. According to Assistant Librarian Carly Vauthier, no preregistration is necessary for this event. "People can come in-person and watch it together at the library or watch from the comfort of their own home by simply clicking on the link at 6:00 that evening."
Upham's talk joins a history of library programming. In the past, the library has hosted "Learn at the Library" events during the first few months of the year. Topics have included watercolor, genealogy, and others offered in partnership with Humanities Montana.
