Forrest Brooks
Wampum Belts: An Iroquois Agreement

For Iroquois people, wampum beads were used to create belts that represented symbolic documents of agreement or understanding. Wampum belts were also created to depict important stories or pieces of Iroquois Culture. Every original wampum belt was a teaching tool which the elders used to remind the young ones of their identity as an Iroquois person. In this interactive workshop, students will learn about some of the original symbols and agreements. The students will brainstorm ideas about their own culture or history, and they will use these ideas to create an artistic masterpiece that represents their school, classroom, or family.

NOTE: All programs are adaptable in time, intensity and age levels. Forrest can work from beginning to end of the project or introduced the project and have the teacher complete it with the students.

PROGRAMS /WORKSHOPS /RESIDENCIES

Wampum Belt Design (3rd grade and up, 45 to 150 minutes):
Oneida used symbols as visual cues to record important agreements, lessons, and history. From lecture to demonstration to a residency, students learn about symbolism, Oneida history and culture. Depending on length of the workshop and number of students, students either practice the beading techniques or create their own belts. Maximum 25 – 30 students.

Special Programs (kindergarten – 12th grade)
Forrest is very comfortable adapting him expertise in native culture to specific curriculum such as history, writing, guidance, math or language.

APPROVED FEE
$200 Performances (more than 50 students at one time), additional $75 for back-to-back performances (SEED Eligible Rate)
$400 Full Day, 5 – 45 minute workshops (SEED Eligible Rate)
$1,500 Full Week, 5 Full Days (SEED Eligible Rate)
$ 500 Teacher In-Service Program (SEED Eligible Rate)
Single workshops or presentation are also available, but not eligible for SEED funding. Please contact artist for additional fees.

ADDITIONAL COSTS (Not eligible for SEED funding)
Mileage more than 20 miles is figured from Oneida, Wisconsin to your program site at .50 per miles, round trip. Possible lodging expense when artist lives more than 60 miles from program site.

EXPERIENCE
MA Curriculum Instruction from UW-Milwaukee BA in Anthropology from SUNY-CORTLAND in New York Studied wampum making with Jacob Thomas from 6 Nations in Canada Teach language and culture for Oneida Tribe for 15 years.

WHAT THE CRITICS SAY
“Forrest was great! He has such a great approach with the students – he was also very encouraging with each and everyone!” 2010 Teacher from Hillcrest Elementary School

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