The Eastern Shore Writer’s Association presents a workshop on the importance of indigenous wisdom on creative writing from 9:30 a.m. until noon, Saturday, June 20 at Evergreen-A Center for Balanced Living in Easton.
The session is open to a holistically inclined public with a spiritual outlook on issues of cultural sustainability.
“Spirituality of Place — Inspired Writing” is an interactive program facilitated by RuthAnn Purchase, honoring ancient wisdom, not only as a trendy ‘take’ on nature narratives, but also as a dynamic force informing all disciplines in this age of re-enlightenment. Assisting will be Dennis Coker, Chief of the Lenape Indian Tribe of Delaware, accomplished speaker and member of the Chesapeake Bay Advisory Council, consultant on the indigenous landscape initiative of Captain John Smith Water Trail and advocate for Woodlawn’s inclusion in Delaware’s National Monument.
Participants will consider narratives from Purchase’s own place-based writing and will compare and contrast William Penn and Vine Deloria, Carol Ryrie Brink and Judy Blume, ending with a special tribute to Wendell Berry, whom some call the Emerson of our age. Purchase and Coker bring courage and practical insights to all, incorporating honor for the original people, languages and sacred places of Delmarva.
Delmarva Peninsula Pachamama Alliance Coordinator and founder of Friends of Lenape Everywhere, Purchase is a linguist turned sociologist, advocating for Lenape language restoration. Having studied on six continents, cultural contextualization of indigenous worldviews pervades her writing, but especially for her mother’s people here in their “ehenta wehikiyankw, Lenapehokink.”
This workshop is open to the public. Cost is $25 for ESWA/Evergreen members and $35 for non-members. Register at www.evergreeneaston.org or call 410-819-3395. Seating is limited.
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