This is an initial collaboration between the Archaeological Legacy Institute and OLLI Out of Town. Modern Native Storytelling through Performance Poetry explores the fascinating world of a dynamic team of indigenous youth writers from the Santa Fe Indian School (SFIS) in New Mexico. Led by teacher and poet Timothy P. McLaughlin, the SFIS Spoken Word Program empowers its student members to create and perform original poems centered in Native philosophies.

Over an eight-year history, the exquisite artistry of this ever-evolving team has been highly recognized through numerous awards, a bevy of media appearances including in The New York Times and on The PBS News Hour, and performance tours throughout the United States and to the Baltic nations in Eastern Europe. This documentary film journeys with the SFIS Spoken Word Team as the core group (including several graduating twelfth graders) prepares and presents a theater production of their finest poems woven with traditional and contemporary song and dance. The young SFIS poets will enchant your heart and enliven your spirit as they continue the ancient tradition of Native storytelling through the powerful new medium of performance poetry.

Pre-registration is required via the OLLI website or phone. A link to access the presentation will be e-mailed to you approximately one week prior to the first session.