Press release from City of Asheville:
Native American Heritage Month is celebrated each November to provide a platform for Native people in the United States to share their culture, traditions, music, crafts, dance, and ways and concepts of life. As part of this reminder to study the history of the nation and highlight the great diversity Native people have brought for centuries prior to arrival of European explorers through the present day, Asheville Parks & Recreation will present a free indoor viewing of Te Ata on Burton Street Community Center’s big screen at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 10.
Te Ata (TAY’ AH-TAH) is based on the inspiring true story of Mary Thompson Fisher (best known as Te Ata), a woman who traversed cultural barriers to become one of the greatest Native American performers of all time. Despite the attempts of government officials to fully assimilate Native people into “mainstream” society, many Native American artists remained committed to the preservation of their traditional songs, dance, and oral traditions and art. Born in Indian Territory, and raised on the songs and stories of her Chickasaw culture, Te Ata’s journey to find her true calling led her through isolation, discovery, love and a stage career that culminated in performances for a U.S. president, European royalty, and audiences across the world. Yet of all the stories she shared, none are more inspiring than her own.
Te Atta stars Q’orianka Kilcher, Gil Birmingham, Brigid Brannagh, Mackenzie Astin, and Graham Greene. It is rated PG for a brief violent image and some thematic elements. The film has been approved by The Dove Family Foundation for family viewing.
Current-day Asheville occupies the land of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (ECBI). During its October 11 meeting, Asheville City Council read a proclamation declaring support for the efforts of the Tribal Council of the ECBI to restore the name Kuwohi to the mountain presently known as Clingman’s Dome.
Burton Street Community Center is located on 134 Burton St. in west Asheville. Parking is limited, so guests are encouraged to carpool or walk, skate, or ride bikes.
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