Skills that Help Native Americans Survive the Winter - Winter Survival Workshop @ Institute for American Indian Studies February 13, 2021

Connecticut has just experienced a major snowstorm with some areas having blizzard conditions. Imagine being a Native American and living off the land in this extreme weather. It makes you wonder how they found shelter, stayed warm, and foraged for food when it so cold and snowy. Intimate knowledge of the landscape, its' resources and how to use them are the keys to how Native Americans survived winter in New England. The Institute for American Indian Studies located on 38 Curtis Road in Washington is hosting an in-person Winter Survival Program with IAIS educator, Griffin Kalin on Saturday, February 13 at 1 p.m.

Participants will head to the atmospheric replicated Algonkian Village on the grounds of the Institute to see how Native Americans lived in the eastern woodlands. Native Americans used a variety of approaches to stay warm including wearing animal skins and heating rocks in fire pits to warm the ground. Another aspect of this program is to understand what signs of nature Elders looked for to predict the weather. Highlights include how to make a shelter out of things from the natural environment such as snow, rocks and branches, how to make a fire in the snow, and what was worn to protect body heat. New this year, the Winter Survival program will focus on the basics of trapping, one of the oldest methods of hunting since the days of prehistoric hunter-gatherers. Although no animals will be harmed, this portion of the program will be interactive and informative giving participants a glimpse of how this method of hunting was practiced. For Native Americans, the great outdoors was both a department store and a grocery store; they trapped wild animals for food, fur, and leather for clothing. Native Americans were very good at using animal parts. Once the meat was eaten or dried, the bones were used for tools and the hides were tanned and turned into clothing.

The winter survival program is suitable for all ages. The winter survival program is suitable for all ages. Make sure that you bundle up as this in-person program is outside. Please note that for all in-person events masks are required inside and outside the museum and social distancing is practiced. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. The cost of the program is $15 for adults, $13 for seniors, $11 for children and $5 for members. To reserve your spot click here. If you have questions, or would like additional information call 860-868-0518 or email events@iaismuseum.org. About The Institute for American Indian Studies Located on 15 acres of woodland acres the Institute For American Indian Studies preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs. They have a 16th c. Algonquian Village, Award-Winning Wigwam Escape, and a museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present that allows visitors to foster a new understanding of the world and the history and culture of Native Americans. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located on 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT.