Malden Reads Community Jamboree Sunday, October 20

MALDEN READS

Jamboree features teepee exhibit

An interactive teepee exhibit will be part of the Malden Reads Community Jamboree on Sunday, Oct. 20. The free event will run from 1-4 p.m. at the Salemwood School. 

The exhibit will contain artifacts collected by Native American Perspectives that represent the cultures of many different tribes, said Malden Reads co-facilitator Jodie Zalk. Families will be encouraged to come and go from the teepee, either discovering things on their own, or, if they prefer, sitting around the buffalo rug for an ongoing presentation.

The program, called “Native American Perspectives,” travels to approximately 150 schools each school year, providing interactive learning tools and presentations that highlight the Native American experience.

The Native American Perspectives website states that teepees were not used by all Native American tribes, but mostly by the people of the plains. However the program uses this easily transported dwelling as a roof under which many themes common to all American Indians can be discussed.  As participants enter the teepee, they will be invited to learn about and discuss issues that relate to and “promote an appreciation and a better understanding of America’s natural environment, native wildlife, and historic past.”

The teepee is a fitting venue for the occasion, because the Jamboree is being held in part to bid farewell to last year’s Malden Reads community book selection, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian, by the well-known Native American author and comedian, Sherman Alexie.

Each year Malden Reads, sponsored jointly by MATV and the Malden Public Library, invites the whole community to read the same book and participate in a series of events related to the book’s themes. The goals are to encourage reading, promote the library and other city resources, and build community.

Malden Reads co-facilitator Anne D’Urso-Rose said the group wanted a community celebration that also highlights themes from the book. “Malden Reads wanted to host an event that has something for everyone and where people of all ages and backgrounds can connect.” 

Since basketball played an important part in Alexie’s book, another highlight of the jamboree will be basketball activities, including a free clinic, contests, and an exhibition game, all hosted by the Malden Neighborhood Basketball League (MNBL).

Other activities and attractions will include arts and crafts, storytelling, a parade of community groups, exhibit tables, and refreshments.

The Malden Reads steering committee has made its final book selection for the 2014 community read. The new book will be announced at the Jamboree.

Community Groups interested in participating in the Jamboree and/or parade are invited to get involved by emailing to anne@matv.org.

Participants in the basketball contests are invited to sign-up the day of the event or ahead of time by emailing maldenreads@gmail.com.

For more information about Malden Reads, visit maldenreads.org or join the Malden Reads mailing list by emailing maldenreads@gmail.com.