Did you know early Ohio Native Americans built earth works and along the Fort Hill Loop Trail in Cleveland Metroparks Rocky River Reservation? Explore the ways Native Americans lived on and with the land at the First People Festival on Saturday, November 23 from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Cleveland Metroparks Rocky River Nature Center. 



    Gain a better understanding about the history and culture of early woodland  tribes through activities, stories and crafts. Meet Lenapi Indian Captain Wolf, portrayed by cultural interpreter John Burke, have your face painted with traditional designs and see demonstrations and displays of artifacts, tools and more. The event features talks, crafts and hikes, including:

11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. - Native American Hike for Families. Take a one mile hike and learn about the first people that lived in Ohio.

Noon to 1 p.m. - Mound-builders of Ohio. Learn about the amazing feats of the mound-building tribes of Ohio from Cultural History Interpreter Karen Lakus.

12:45 - 1:45 p.m. OR   3:15 - 4 :15 p.m. - Sew Your Own Buckskin Pouch. Make and take home your own handmade buckskin pouch. Registration, beginning November 1, and $5 fee are required. For more information, visit clevelandmetroparks.com or call 440-734-6660.

1 - 2 p.m. - The Ancient Art of Fire. Survival expert Tom Laskowski talks about the critical necessity of fire and demonstrates native techniques for making fire with a bow-drill.

2 - 3 p.m. - Native American Tales. Nationally- acclaimed Native American storyteller Robin Pease brings the  world of the Northeast woodlands alive with her words.

3 - 4:30 p.m. - Fort Hill Hike. Climb the 135 stairs of Fort Hill and  learn about the people who lived in this area long ago.

    Rocky River Nature Center is located at 24000 Valley Parkway in Rocky River Reservation, between Cedar Point Road and Shepard Lane in North Olmsted - off the I-480/Clague Road exit (westbound) and I-480/Columbia Road exit (eastbound).



    For more information, visit clevelandmetroparks.com or call 440-734-6660.

    Discover the rich culture and history of Ohio's first people in Cleveland Metroparks - Discover, Enjoy, Protect!

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MEDIA CONTACTS:

SUE ALLEN - 216-635-3338, sja@clevelandmetroparks.com

ALYSSA COOK-ALEXANDER - 216-635-3274, aca@clevelandmetroparks.com