Month honors Native Americans

In 1914, Red Fox James, a member of the Blackfoot Tribe, rode horseback from state to state seeking approval for a day to honor Native Americans. With endorsements from 24 state governments, he presented his request to the White House on Dec., 14, 1915. Although there continues to be no such nationally recognized holiday, some individual states have adopted such days of observance. However, in November 1990, President George H.W. Bush instituted the first Native American Heritage Month; a month devoted to the recognition of the significant contributions the first Americans made to the establishment and growth of the United States.

The East Bonner County Library District and The Idaho Mythweaver are partnering for the third consecutive year to foster education about native cultures in a monthly film screening series. The Native Heritage Film Series is sponsored by Vision Maker Media, TransEco Services, Bonner County Human Rights Task Force, and Idaho Community Foundation. Each screening includes an interactive discussion with Jane Fritz of the Idaho Mythweaver or a representative of a local tribe. This year’s series began last month and will feature a total of three award-winning films.

On Saturday, Nov. 10, two screenings of “Mankiller: Activist. Feminist. Cherokee Chief.” will be featured followed by a discussion with Jane Fritz. Screenings are at 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. at the Sandpoint Library in the community room. The documentary showcases the legacy of Wilma Mankiller, the first woman elected as principal chief of the Chero-kee Nation. Admis-sion is free, open to the public, and suitable for all ages. Refresh-ments will be provided by the library. Questions may be directed to Mike Bauer, Lifelong Learning coordinator at 208-265-2665 or mike@ebonnerlibrary.org.

“Cows run away from the storm while the buffalo charges toward it — and gets through it quicker. Whenever I’m confronted with a tough challenge, I do not prolong the torment, I become the buffalo.” — Wilma Mankiller

The following take place at the Sandpoint branch, 1407 Cedar Street, unless otherwise indicated.

- Saturday, Nov. 10 — “Mankiller”; Native Heritage Film Series, two screenings: 12:30 and 3 p.m. in community rooms A and B. This free popular film series returns with films that highlight Native American issues and culture. Mankiller explores the life of Wilma Mankiller, the first female principal chief of the Cherokee Nation who led her people in building one of the strongest Native American tribes in America. More than a biography, the film delivers an empowering message. Film screenings followed by discussion led by Jane Fritz of the Idaho Mythweaver. Information: 208-265-2665.

- Sunday, Nov. 11 through March 1 — The Library’s Winter Reading Challenge. For toddlers to teens. Register for the Winter Reading Challenge to log your reading and read-to-me time for prizes, drawings, and a party. Details at ebonnerlibrary.org. Contact Suzanne Davis for more information: 208-263-6930, ext. 1211, or suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Monday, Nov. 12 ­— Closed for observance of Veterans Day.

- Tuesday, Nov. 13 — Mother Goose, 10 a.m., six-week sessions. Stories and singing for babies and toddlers 0-3 years old and their caregivers with stay & play until 10:40 a.m. Information: 208-263-6930, ext. 1211, or suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Tuesday, Nov. 13 — Preschool Stories, 11 a.m. Stories and crafts for kids and their caregivers. Information: 208-263-6930, ext. 1211, or suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Tuesday, Nov. 13 — Robotics, 3 -5 p.m. Explore STEAM with Lego Mindstorm robotics. Information: 208-266-1321.

- Tuesday, Nov. 13 and Wednesday, Nov. 14 — Intro to Virtual Reality, 3-6 p.m., drop-in 15-minute sessions. Experience VR. Explore the world with Google Earth VR, swim in the deep sea, go on a virtual tour, play arcade style games or walk a plank suspended from an 80-story building — all from the safety of the library. First come, first served. Under 18 must accompany parent consent form. Under 10 must be accompanied by parent/legal guardian. Information: Contact the Tech Desk 208-263-6930, ext.1251.

- Tuesday, Nov. 13 — Harry Potter Science, 3:30 p.m. Make Harry Potter slime. For third- to fifth-graders. Information: 208-263-6930, ext. 1211.

- Tuesday, Nov. 13 — MAGIC the Gathering, 3:30-5 p.m. Teens meet in Community Room A to play the game, MAGIC. Information: 208-263-6930, ext. 1245, or kimber@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Wednesday, Nov. 14 — Clark Fork Stories and More, 10:30 a.m. at the Clark Fork branch. Stories, crafts, prizes and snacks for kids ages 3-8.

- Wednesday, Nov. 14 — MakeIt Mechanical, 5 p.m. at the East Bonner County Library District’sSandpoint branch Teen Lounge, 1407 Cedar St. Have some fun with electrical circuitry in the Rotary Teen Lounge. For seventh- through twelfth-grade-aged teens. Information: 208-263-6930, ext. 1245.

- Thursday, Nov. 15 — Infant Lapsit, 10 a.m., at the East Bonner County Library District’s Sandpoint branch, 1407 Cedar St. A rhyme program for pre-walkers and their caregivers. Six-week sessions. Pre-registration is required: Suzanne Davis, 208-263-6930, ext. 1211, or suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Thursday, Nov. 15 — Making Sense of Common Core Math, 5:30-7 p.m. in Community Room A. A discussion for parents, tutors, and educators that will improve understanding of common core math and show how to best help students be successful. Presented by Abe Wallin, regional math specialist, North Idaho Regional Math Center. Information: 208-265-2665.

- Friday, Nov. 16 — High School Mixer, 5 p.m. in the Rotary Teen Lounge. Music, food, gaming, and fun just for ninth- to twelfth-graders from any school/homeschool. Information: 208-263-6930, ext. 1245.

- Saturday, Nov. 17 — Family Reading Week – Harry Potter Party, 2 p.m., in the Community Room. A free Family Reading Week event for elementary school-aged children (ages 6-11). Limited to 150 attendees. Tickets will be available starting Tuesday, Nov. 13 at ebonnerlibrary.org on the Events calendar listing. Information: 208-263-6930, ext. 1211, or suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Clark Fork Autumn Reading Program — For all ages. Read and record the title of each book, full magazine, or audiobook along with the author’s name between Sept. 1 and Dec. 1. For each completed item, earn a library bidding dollar for use in the Holiday Silent Auction Dec. 7-8. For more information contact the Clark Fork Library: 208-266-1321.

- StoryWalk — Pages from a children’s book are posted along a trail for a fun, family experience. Enjoy “Time To Sleep” by Denise Fleming at Dover City Park and “I Know It’s Autumn” by Eileen Spinelli at McNearney Park in Ponderay. Read, connect, & get outside at a StoryWalk, a partnership of The Library, Kaniksu Land Trust, city of Dover, and city of Ponderay. For more information, visit ebonnerlibrary.org or call Suzanne Davis at 208-263-6930, ext. 1211, or suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

Marcy Timblin is in charge of public relations, marketing & community development for the East Bonner County Library District. She can be reached at 208-263-6930, ext. 1204.