CONSULTING SERVICES:
Interpretive
educational programs for schools, academies, parks,camps, environmental
centers, and museums .
Projects that enhance existing programs by
including Native American cultural values and tradition.
On site Aboriginal Programs are put in place and coordinated with
continued support.
Programs designed for at risk
populations. Please note all staff that work with at risk
populations are pre-qualified for this kind of work.
Programs designed to build community and individual balance.
Native American music and crafts.
For Business
Establish strong mentoring programs for employees
utilizing traditional Native American teaching techniques.
Presentations that reinforce ethical business practices.
Speakers
that address topics relating to social economical issues, native
spirit, prophesy and
other topics of interest.
For Private Groups
Groups interested in structuring programs that incorporate traditional Native American values.
Educational story telling featuring legends of the people.
Presentations that demonstrate the benefits of Native American Culture.
Programs that build community and individual balance.
Native American music.
For Individuals
People interested in gaining an understanding of Native American
lifestyle and ways to apply this knowledge.
Mentoring
Educational story telling.
Information that demonstrates the benefits of Native American Culture.
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ucational
programs
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS:
Interpretive Presentations
Interpretive educational programs are provided for schools,
academies, camps, parks, environmental centers, and museums.
College Departments utilizing our
programs include: African American Studies, Anthropology,
International Education, Liberal Arts, Life Sciences and
Agriculture, Communication, Earth Sciences, Environmental
Conservation, Family Studies, History and Philosophy of Science,
Humanities, Languages and Cultures, Natural Resources & Environment,
Nursing, Philosophy, Psychology, and Social Work.
We utilize oral teaching methods to tell Native American stories.
Stories demonstrate the cultural attributes of the Native American.
Cultural Story Telling
Native American people tell sacred stories as a
way of keeping coherence in culture. The stories become a
foundation of shared understanding of the general nature of life
upon which their societies are built.
Native American drums, shakers and flutes are often used to enhance
the delivery of the story.
Stories contain
wisdom and hope, and shape societies in profound ways.
Crafting
Most Native American people make their own items including: clothing, jewelry, tools, and weapons. Crafting projects can include beading,
braiding, leather pouch making, basket making, dream catchers,
drums, shakers and flutes.
Workshops
Workshops are designed to present a value system as it has been
adhered to over millennia by peoples of the American Continent. The
purpose being to demonstrate an ethical culture that lives in
harmony with all things. The values of these people demonstrate
principles that can improve the balance of a society.
Some workshop titles are:
Medicine Wheel – A Traditional Record of Life Teachings
Animal Talk – Understanding nature and what it can tell you
Indian Lodges – Everything has a lesson to teach
Talking Circles
Talking Circles have been used by many indigenous cultures,
particularly in the Native American traditions. A talking circle, is
a method used by a group to discuss a topic in an
egalitarian
and non-confrontational manner or to simply "check-in" about what is
present for them in their lives. The group members sit in a circle
and make comment on the topic of the discussion.
Confidentiality is a key element to all talking circles and an
expectation. Attendees are reminded of the requirement and sensitive
to the information being shared
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SHARING PROGRAMS
The programs are interactive and allow for
individuals to find answers they seek. The goal is to inform
while allowing each person self expression. The information
provided by the presenter is given and then discussed so that all
participants have the opportunity to gain insight. Talking circles
and storytelling are utilized to provide community value based
teachings.
Up to Four day gathering offered when traveling
Join us as
Cultural
Story Teller, Educator, Speaker, Author,
James B Beard aka Noodin
(pronounced “No-din”) and his Fire Keeper, Join us for storytelling,
workshops, ceremony, and visiting.
(See example format)
Telling of Native American stories
Elders and story tellers begin with the story of
creation - of all things. All stories told after the story of creation make up the whole history of the people.
Stories of the people are, in essence,
give the people values to live by within societies. It is a part of
the glue that holds a culture together.
Sharing of the drum, shaker and flute
Demonstrations
of drums, shakers and flutes used by the Northeast American Indian.
Songs are played in Native American Languages with
interpretation. Recordings of various tribal songs are included.
Medicine Talk - Medicines of the people
The four basic spirit medicines of Northeastern Native Tribes
are presented with an explanation of how they are used. Other medicines
used for various ailments are also discussed.
Many of the medicines used
by Native American peoples are used
by pharmaceutical companies today.
Traditional Living Today
What is it like to walk the Red road? What is it like
on the reservation today?
Roughly twenty- five years ago there were one and a half million
Native Americans following the traditions of their ancestors. Today
there are over two million Native Americans following these
traditions, what has changed?
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REFERENCES
Noodin,
I am reading your "White mocs..." book for the second time since
you and your son visited the Mesa Creative Arts Center here in
Pennsylvania...
I wanted to say that the visit (and your book) have been of
great value to me...as I read through the book the first time
shortly after you left the Mesa I began to better understand the
meaning of things you did throughout the weekend...not that we
can ever truly fully understand...
Anyhow, I don't know if you'll remember me but I was the guy
with the prosthetic leg...that works with autistic kids at a
residential mental health center...
Since that weekend I have thought further about my role in life,
my work and the message remains the same...being a mental health
counselor is not where "my road" ends and that I am "called" to
become a "healer"--I did find it interesting that your business
card was placed in chapter 11--Being a Helper...when I bought
the book...
In addition, I have felt for awhile that the name I was given by
my parents doesn't "feel" quite fit right...like there is
another awaiting me...
Sorry for the rambling, my thoughts are a bit unfocused at the
minute--as my day winds down...
anyway, I hope you are well...and that you will be back through
this area again sometime soon...I definitely liked your first
visit and desire more of what you brought...
Mike W.
NH Division of Parks and Recreation
172 Pembroke Road
PO Box 1856
Concord, NH 03302-1856
RE: Fabulous Program at Monadnock State Park
I attended a program last Saturday that was not only informative,
but inspiring. As a program developer and presenter with over 15 years of experience and having attended hundreds of programs
throughout the northeast and elsewhere, including programs at
Pinkham Notch and multiple National Parks, I was impressed with what
I learned and witnessed.
In one hour, I learned more about our regional Native American
cultures than I’ve probably learned in all the hours I’ve spent
watching and reading from various other sources (including
such maligned greats as Disney’s Pocahontas and Kevin Costner’s
Dances With Wolves, along with more accurate information
acquired from trips to Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon and
dozens of other resources/exposures). From the meaning of various
names that grace our own hills and mountains, to traditions
of people who came before us and passed along their medicinal
knowledge, to all around good tales that offer a lesson or two, the
program was not only broad, but had depth and meaning. Sure
I’ve heard of the Algonquin, Ojibway, and Abenaki and have
imagined I knew enough about them. And I know that I can jump on the Internet, hit Google, and come up with a gazillion resources. I
had realized before that Merrimack, Wapack, and Monadnock are
all derived from Native American words, but to hear the
stories told by a knowledgeable individual who captures the essence
of the persona brought new meanings and understanding. To experience
the stories in that intimate setting, in those special
surroundings with a fire burning brightly as a backdrop was much
more memorable. When we were informed that “MAANG” means the
“loon” (as indicated on the license plate of our storyteller
identifying him as a member of the “loon clan”), there was a car
starting its engine. And just then in the distance, I
actually heard the loon calling. Not an unusual sound to be heard on
our nearby ponds, but the timing was impeccable and perhaps more
than coincidental. Then, while he was spinning his tale of
“Ginyu” listening to the breeze that created haunting sound in the
pines, “Noodin” picked up his flute and played a wistful tune
reminiscent of nature at her finest. At that very moment, the
previously nonexistent breeze actually started blowing
through the tops of the pines and hemlocks above our heads, and it
went away as that story ended. It was eerie, yet quite moving
and enjoyable.
There were 20 guests of various ages gathered around the storyteller
that evening in front of the fire; and while the couple with the two
youngest children had to leave a bit early, the rest sat raptly as
the wise old narrator wove his tales and passed around artifacts
that enhanced the experience – a hand carved walking stick, a
handcrafted rattle that easily took on various roles in the story, a
flute that didn’t need sheet music to render beautiful tunes, and a
simple drum that acted as thunder and took on a spirit of its
own (with what I assumed was a genuine animal skin stretched across
its breadth).
It may not be for everyone, but this program and others that offer
new insight and experiences that people crave so much in
today’s cookie cutter, computer-driven world are exactly what we need to hold onto, to encourage, and to maximize in order to
continue enticing urban visitors to our beautiful NH outdoors. I
urge you and the Division to find a way to continue offering this inspiring program and to expand programming efforts in the parks
that will add to the value and enjoyment.
Best regards,
Brenda Bhatti
Jaffrey, NH
Have final;y made it home to Lincoln. So good to be back. I enjoyed
having your book with me. Good reading for the long plane flights
and layovers. Thank you so much for all you shared in NH, and share
in the book.
Many blessings,
Steven McFadden
Lincoln, NE
The kids so enjoyed themselves; thank you for all you do for us.
Your wisdom impacts all of us on so many levels.
Sincerely,
Amity
Londonderry high school, nh
Thanks again for the important work you are doing and the help you
gave us and others over the weekend you were at The Mesa. We are
very grateful. I’m still telling people the lesson of not trying to
get ahead of Spirit.
J
Love and Light to you,
Brad (and Kate)
Mesa creative arts center
I am so excited to schedule anything and everything you have to
offer! Here are available dates for 2012 and suggestions for the
workshops.
Jo Catalino
Eye of the Hawk Holistic Center
5 Grove Road
Rye, New Hampshire 03870
(603) 964-7874
www.eyeofthehawk.org
We continue to think about you and Ed and are hoping that your
return trip was safe and uneventful. Several of the staff have
commented on the benefits of having both of you as a part of our
circle. You are always welcome in Okeechobee and we hope to be
blessed with your company again soon.
Denise, Charles and Makaya Whitehead
Visionquest Florida Staff
We really enjoy having you and Ed work with our kids! We are looking
forward to your next visit! We have gotten 4 new kids in the last 4
days! WE are getting bigger by the minute!
Elena Reyes-Runyon, Director
7 Arrows Academy
Woodville, FL
I will be handling the arrangements for performances in our parks
this year. This is a new area for me so please bear with me as I
learn. We would love to have you as one of our presenters this
summer.
Cassandra Gauvin
Department of Forest, Parks, & Recreation
Waterbury, VT
Thanks so much. We had such a great time at the Odyssey Traditional
Powwow. It was a great experience,
Amy Allen
Odyssey NH Academy
Director of Finance
Hampton, NH
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We often are blessed with a gift from the people we visit in the way
of a note
of thanks for our work. We hope things they share
will help
others to understand some of the values that can be applied, if one
tries
Berea High
School and Angel House, Strongsville, Ohio
Deep Gratitude
for your story-telling at Berea High School and Angel House. It was
time for the Wind to visit us with the old stories.
Trilio, youth in PA
Today I learned that the Indian stories that are told are meant to
relax you and to help you sleep. When the man was telling the story
it relaxed me a whole lot and it did put me to sleep in the
beginning. I learned that a lot of what was being said was in the
bible. I liked it a lot. It was very enjoyable and I would do it
again if I had the opportunity.
Glenn Davis, Staff of VisionQuest, Fl
Your visits are always welcome and leave us inspired. This past week
has brought you some snow. Be careful, the best to you and your
families - from your extended family here in Florida. I almost said
just from Florida - you have the gift to work everywhere. From all
the kids and staff in VisionQuest.
Jessica, youth in PA
I liked the stories a lot about my heritage. I liked the story about
the Sioux boy. It meant a lot to me because I have Sioux in me as
well as Cherokee. I always wanted to sit down and find out a little
about my background and I am glad that I was able to be in your
group and learn some things about where I came from.
Yaunice, youth in PA
What I learned was that they make sounds, music and language by
listening to the sounds in their environment or surroundings. I also
learned how to play the instrument they use to make music & that in
their country or culture that when you put your blanket over you and
another person that you are announced to be a married couple.
Daniella, youth in PA
I learned that native Americans are very nice and have a lot of
potential and they like to welcome people. They are very friendly
and they do love to hunt for bears and wild animals and they dress
up with their outfits and dance around and sing songs and make beads
that are very beautiful and they speak different languages than
Americans but are the same human beings and they are people. I
learned that it don't matter what race you are because you are
humans and humans are mammals so we all are equal to one person.
Ropers Group, camping at Mt. Monadnock, NH
Thank you for sharing your stories with us. They were touching and
beautiful. It was kind of you to let us use your cabin for our Ropes
traditional Monadnock experience.
Maria and Roman, Campers, Mt. Monadnock, NH
I will try to aid this new bright soul to keep that middle eye of
purity open beyond the first two years. (speaking of the child she
carries)
Jamie, youth in PA
Well today was very interesting. I enjoyed hearing Mr. Jim's stories
he had to share. The flute had a very peaceful sound coming from it.
I can relate to the boy who everyone picked on and how shy he was. I
used to be very shy until I came out of my shell and stopped
worrying so much as to what people thought of me. And the story of
creation, I do believe we are all related somehow. I believe we are
all children of God, "The Creator". I learned that we all have
energy coming from us which can be positive or negative. We can
choose whether or not someone will get to us. If we show kindness
and respect to someone it will come back. If we show meanness, etc.
... that will come back on us too. I believe the saying, what comes
around goes around. I would love to go to a powwow. I love the
Indian music.
Sydney, Cleo, Olivia, Kelton, Dante & Jeff, youth in NH
On behalf of the many children who listened and heard your stories,
those rituals that so clearly reflect your life - many thanks. We
would welcome you again.
Mark Rodgers, camper at Mt Monadnock, NH
I want to sincerely thank the New Hampshire Division of Parks and
Recreation for allowing Jim Beard toconduct his Native America
Legends outreach program at Monadnock State Park Campgrounds, This
past Saturday, my two energetic sons, ages 10 and 6, and I sat
transfixed for two hours listening to Jim Beard recount these
legends. The legends speak to the kind of respect for nature and our
inner connections with it that I think epitomize what the parks
service would want from its' visitors. Jim's gentle outreach made
this camping trip one of the most special I've ever enjoyed. I am
actively trying to figure out how I can free up another Saturday
before this season ends to go back to Monadnock Camp Ground. How
rare it is to find someone of Jim's caliber as a story teller who is
willing to give so freely of his time to so many. I consider your
program a resounding success. Thanks once again.
Alex & Stacey, accident at Greenfield State Park, NH
Alex and I want to thank you for your heartfelt concern during our
ordeal at Greenfield State Park. Alex likes the beaded bag that you
gave him. He had time to admire it when he was laying on his stomach
waiting for the Dr. in the E.R.. It took twenty two stitches to
close the gash on his heal. Luckily it missed all tendons,
ligaments, etc. He has the stitches out now and is doing fine.
Everyone was great that night and your kind words and gestures
really helped calm down a scared and hurting kid. Thank you again
and peace.
Walter, youth in PA -
Mr. Noodin
Kayleigh, youth in PA
I'm not writing a goodbye letter because hopefully we will still
keep in touch. When I first met you both it was at the sweat lodge
and you introduced yourselves to me. I feel as though as time
progressed we began to build a friendship built with trust. You have
only supported me since we met and I would like to thank you for the
kindness you have shown me. You are both so spiritual and I respect
you so much for that. I never had a father figure in my life due to
him being constantly incarcerated and having a mental health illness
called a sociopath. I am not trying to be sappy but you both are so
kind and I consider you the parents I never had. It is so sad to
know that tomorrow you will be leaving but I will only remember the
good times and all the conversations we had about my mom and the
meaning of life. Instantly I knew I could trust you and tell my life
story. There was a true connection. You were sent here for a reason
which is to kelp kids and I feel you were sent here to help me. You
both have helped me to cope with my mothers situation and also her
illness. I do admit that after I had read that letter that you told
me to write, I felt a burden being lifted off my chest and now my
feelings toward my mothers situation have only changed for the
better and I finally let go and put it in the hands of our Creator.
Thank you for all of the stories you have shared with me and all of
the loving kindness you have shown towards me. You are so sweet and
generous. I will never forget you. Keep in touch. I will write you
back and tell you how I am doing. Thanks for believing in me and
supporting me. Luv, Kayleigh
Jessie, Staff at North Hero State Park, VT
Thank you! I must gift you as well! My favorite book about creation
quantum physics and the inter connectedness of the universe.
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