The idea behind the NCAF came from a group of women who work in resource
centers throughout Humboldt & Del Norte Counties. Finding that Native American material is scarce and
frequently inaccurate they are always on the lookout for the books that
would bring pride, self-respect, accuracy and Native voice to the children
and communities that we serve.
The organization of the NCAF took the group one step
further. We now bring the
authors and illustrators to the communities that we serve, in hopes to
educate, inspire, introduce, and give Native voice a face and a name.
Each year we try to visit different schools on
Friday. In 2003 the
authors/illustrators presented to the Loletta and Trinidad schools.
In 2004 the authors/illustrators spoke to the Hoopa
Elementary and Margaret Keating Elementary school in Klamath. In 2005 the authors/illustrators visited Dow’s Prairie and
Morris Elementary Schools and spoke to the Indian Education students at
both Arcata and McKinleyville High Schools.
The Saturday event is
not only a free day of poetry, music, and fine art, but a way to expose
the community to the beauty of the Potawot Health Village, a place to find
new books written by Native Authors, and to meet the people of your
community.
The
2006 Native Children's Authors Festival has been postponed.
Event sponsors have included:
Humboldt Area Foundation's Native Cultures Fund, Lucky
Bear Casino of Hoopa, Smith River Rancheria, Northern Humboldt Indian
Education Program, Wiyot Tribe – Table Bluff Reservation, Coast Central
Credit Union, North Valley Bank, St. Joseph Hospital, HSU's ITEPP,
Klamath-Trinity Joint Unified School District & Indian Education
Program, Arcata Sunrise Rotary, Northtown books and
United Indian Health Services, Inc.
For more information, please contact Marlette Grant-Jackson at 826-5199,
fax 826-3675 or email mmj5@humboldt.edu.
