Oka Kapassa: Return to Coldwater – Native American Festival Special Event

Join us for this special event on Wednesday, July 26 at 2:00 pm. This free event is kindly provided by Oka Kapassa Festival and The Alabama State Council on the Arts.

Tony Carter (Cheyenne River Sioux) grew up in Eagle Butte, South Dakota. He was exposed to many cultural experiences by his grandmother, great, aunt, and uncles. He learned many crafts and tribal skills including beadwork, moccasin making, basket weaving, leatherwork, and Native American singing and dance. Following high school, he attended South Dakota State University. Garter presents programs at Burritt Museum and has taught Native American studies in the Huntsville City Schools in the areas of arts, crafts, history, government, dance, and legends/stories.

Juanita Gardinski (Choctaw) has presented stories and programs throughout the Southeast of Choctaw art and culture. Juanita creates and designs regalia (clothing) for powwows and festivals attended by various Southeastern tribes. Some of her many skills include, beadwork, sewing, Choctaw dance, storytelling, and traditional cooking. She also serves on the Native American Advisory Board for the Oka Kapassa Festival.