A call to any Native person living in Wisconsin was recently put out by the Madison Public Library to apply for Teejop & Beyond through July 30. The program looks to celebrate Native nations by hosting presenters from October to December.
The Madison Public Library hosts the program in partnership with Ho-Chunk Gaming Madison and it is open to any Native artist, storyteller, and community leader in celebration of the diversity of indigenous culture and life. Teejop (pronounced day-JOPE) also means Four Lakes, or Madison, giving the program an intimate connection to the history of the land and the people who called it home.
Native people from across multiple nations participate in Teejop & Beyond to center both traditional and contemporary practices, stories, and community relationships. The programming also begins on Indigenous People’s Day, Oct. 9.
Neeyati Shah, community engagement librarian coordinating the program, spoke to successful past programming in a library update saying, “In the past, this series has included art workshops, youth storytimes, in-person or virtual presentations, outdoor guided activities, and more. We welcome any ideas that offer opportunities for participants to learn and connect with you and with each other.”
If applicants are accepted they will receive payment of $150 and the cost of supplies for each program, and other payment options may be an option for special cases.
Madison Public Library is welcoming applicants to pitch multiple program ideas if they feel inclined, and offered categories for consideration: creation stories; cultural celebrations and seasonal customs; food, herbs, and crops; skills and crafts; history-removals, returns, important figures, and other topics; Indigenous peoples in community or government; relationships between different nations, or collective efforts towards decolonization.
Native people living in Wisconsin are invited to apply online here, and email [email protected] with any questions.
