Five Rivers Chautauqua events promote peace
Presenters volunteer their time, experience for inaugural series.
The first Five Rivers Chautauqua promises to be a series of events that take a look at how we can live in a more peaceful world.
A chautauqua is a gathering or travel show that provides education through events, talks and assemblies.
Though some of the events, like the annual “Keeping the Tradition Pow Wow” at SunWatch Village June 28-29, are annual, this will be the first time such events will take place mostlyly free of charge. The series is funded through private donations and personal funding, all of the organizers and presenters are volunteering their time and experience, including Irene Bedard, a Native actress and film producer best known as the voice of Pocahontas for the 1995 Disney film.
“This is all about building bridges and about open conversation,” she said.
The celebration began Friday with a ceremonial planting of a white pine peace tree at Bergamo Center at Mount St. Johns. The events include:
■ A live hook-up with Lakota Chief Arvol Looking Horse today as he opens celebrations of International Peace and Prayer Day in Oregon.
■ The departure of the Footprints for Peace runners Monday at SunWatch Village, as they run to each of the Native sacred sites in Ohio to raise awareness for these ancient cultural sites.
■ A series of discussions and film viewings surrounding race relations at Antioch Midwest University on Monday.
■ The Miami Valley Council for Native Americans Keeping the Tradition Pow Wow, June 27-28 at Sunwatch Village, an all-day celebration of Native heritage open to all, though there is an admission fee of $8 for adults, &5 for seniors and $15 for a two-day pass. All other events are free.
For more details, visit daytonpax.com/fiveriverschautauqua.