Activities to mark summer solstice

STAFF REPORT

LIBERTY — Unity Community Centre, 1226 Naylor-Lloyd Road, will celebrate “The Gathering: A Native American Celebration of the Summer Solstice” Friday and Saturday.

The summer solstice, the first day of summer and longest day of the year, is Sunday.

The activities begin from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday with a film on the journey of one man to find his purpose in life. There will be a discussion on the American Indian experience in this country after the film. The movie is free, but donations will be accepted.

Saturday activities begin at 9 a.m. The program for adults starts with two films on the Paleo and “Cliff Dweller” Indians and a discussion led by Dr. Jack Nichols, formerly of Slippery Rock University.

The afternoon also includes a discussion on: “Women in the Native American Culture,” “The History of the Summer Solstice in Native America Society” and “Native American Drumming.” There will be a lesson in American Indian drumming between 4 and 4:30 p.m.

For children, Saturday morning activities, which begin at 9 a.m., include learning an American Indian alphabet (to make a secret code), power bracelets and creating picture stories.

Afternoon activities will be bracelet making, a film and learning “The Snake Dance.” The day will culminate with a concert at 6 p.m. by a Lakota Indian Drum group from Benton, Ohio.

The cost is $5 for adults and $3 for children. The fee includes lunch and all materials.