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Teaching traditions: how Cherokee Nation brings elders and students into the craft
Summary
Grayson described taking elders and schoolchildren into hands-on demonstrations—blowguns, archery, flintknapping—and said his approach is to respond to learners' interest and mentor those who show curiosity.
Grayson told hosts he and colleagues travel to schools and community groups to teach traditional Cherokee crafts. He gave a recent example of working with Cherokee Nation Elder Care: "Went out and let them shoot blow guns, do lube your archery... They enjoyed it. Had a competition."
He said he looks for learners by responding when people ask rather than forcing instruction. "If people will want to learn how to make a bow, I'll tell them how to make a bow," he said, adding that he tries to encourage children who show early interest and pass on practical tips gathered from elders. Presentations at 'at-large' community meetings are a frequent venue for these demonstrations, he said.
