Chickasaw storyteller Amy Bluemel and area Native American dancers will present a program at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023, at the Allen Public Library in honor of Indigenous People’s Day.

Amy Bluemel has performed at Red Earth Festival, one of the rare events when dancers from America’s Northern and Southern tribes can be seen together in one venue. Various southeastern tribal members will perform some of the oldest dances performed on this continent, some estimated to be around 6000 years old.

 Amy proudly notes that neither the Choctaws nor the Chickasaws ever declared war on the United States and “with what we overcame and the fact that we are still surviving, and thriving is a testament to my people.”  

Piominko, circa 1750 to 1799, was a Chickasaw chief and diplomat. President George Washington and Piominko considered themselves to be friends. Some historians give the Chickasaws credit for the United States being an English-speaking country. Thus, the relationship between the Chickasaw and the United States has a lengthy history.

As a storyteller, Amy uses the occasion to honor her ancestors and all others who were forced to walk the Trail of Tears.

Can’t be there in person? The program will also be streamed live on ACTV. Find viewing options at Watch ACTV or view online at  ACTV.org or YouTube.com/AllenCityTV

The library is located at 300 N. Allen Dr. Call 214-509-4911 for additional information.