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On Saturday, January 27, the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians will hold the 11th Moon program, where local storytellers will share traditional Native American tales outdoors on the grounds near a bonfire.

Native Americans in the pre-contact period transmitted their histories and cosmological beliefs through oral history and storytelling. Some of these stories, often described as myths or legends, centered on natural and supernatural phenomena. In some instances, figures and scenes from these stories can be discerned in the iconography of the artwork of Native Americans from southeastern North America. Modern scholars have begun linking these motifs to tales collected among Native Americans in the post-contact era. Some studies have also linked the stories and iconography to celestial bodies thought to have important roles in the cosmological beliefs of American Indians.

Following the storytelling, representatives from the Natchez National Historical Park will be on hand with telescopes to provide instruction and opportunities to view celestial bodies.

The program will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians. No reservations are required, and the event is free of charge. Refreshments will be provided.

The Grand Village of the Natchez Indians was the main ceremonial mound center of the Natchez people from 1682 until 1730. The 128-acre National Historic Landmark features three mounds, a plaza, a reconstructed Natchez Indian house, nature trail, museum, and store. Administered by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, the Grand Village is located at 400 Jefferson Davis Boulevard and is open free of charge to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and Sundays 1:30 to 5 p.m. Call 601-446-6502 or email info@natchezgrandvillage.com for more information.