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Date published: 9/27/2009
By LYNN O'ROURKE HAYES The Dallas Morning News Amid splendid scenery, explore some of the world's most enduring cultures. Here are five places where your family will learn about the ancient traditions and modern adaptations of American Indian and First Nation cultures. 1. Navajo Nation, Monument Valley, Ariz: It isn't surprising that "Walk in beauty" is a cornerstone of Navajo philosophy. All of your family will be thrilled by the beautiful land that's the sacred homeland of this Indian people. Hike or ride horseback through the sandstone formations towering above the desert floor. Base yourself at the View, the only hotel inside Monument Valley. Contact: 435/727-5555; monument valleyview.com 2. Native Edventure Trails, American West: Families can learn about Indian culture and history at their own pace with the Native Edventure Trails programs in South Dakota, Wyoming and Montana. The self-guided programs are designed to be completed in one day but are flexible to suit individual families. They include age-appropriate scavenger-hunt-style activities, quizzes and tasks. On completion, tribal representatives review the work and award prizes. Contact: 888/800-1876; gonative america.com (click on "Family Travel") 3. Little Big Horn Battlefield, Crow Agency, Mont: This battlefield in southern Montana serves as a memorial to one of the last confrontations between the Northern Plains Indians and U.S. troops. It was here that George A. Custer and 263 soldiers under his command were killed in a battle with Lakota and Cheyenne warriors. Young visitors can earn a Junior Ranger badge. Contact: 406/638-2621; nps.gov/libi/contacts.htm 4. Ohio state parks: Ancient Indians began occupying the land that is now Ohio more than 10,000 years ago at the end of the Ice Age. Evidence of these early residents remains. More than 10,000 mounds used for burials and ceremonies have been found. By the 1700s, an estimated 20,000 Indians lived throughout Ohio. Among the tribes were the Delaware, Shawnee, Miami, Mingo, Wyandot and Ottawa. Seven state parks offer interpretive or education programs to help families learn more about them. Contact: 800/282-7275; dnr.state .oh.usarksarks/tabid/80/Default.aspx. Also, for more on programs at and near each state park, visit these sites: mohicanresort.com, saltforkresort .com, huestonwoodsresort.com, maumeebayresort.com, shawneelodge resort.com, burroakresort.com or pun dersonmanorresort.com. 5. First Nations, British Columbia: This Canadian province offers many aboriginal cultural experiences. Visit Vancouver, home of the Coast Salish peoples. Then travel north along the Sea to Sky Highway, skirting the fjordlike shore of Howe Sound. In Whistler, visit the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre, the village's newest attraction. The center showcases the living cultures of the Squamish and Lil'wat First Nations through exhibits, art, food, language, interactive activities and performances. Contact: 877/266-2822; aboriginal bc.com
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