 Good afternoon. Hi everyone. Welcome. My name is Jason and I'm a librarian at the San Francisco Public Library. Wherever you're tuning in from, I'm so happy to share this space, virtual space with you, as we enjoy a very special Two-Spirit Story Hour. And also welcome to those of you from First Peoples or Indigenous Tribes. SFPL honors you and we hope you see yourselves in our programming as we are dedicated to supporting diversity and inclusion in our book collections and all of our programs. I'd like to thank first the Friends of the San Francisco Public Library for their support and bringing this special program to all of us. Welcome and thank you also to mix Meri Posa for being here to guide us for our program today. Hi, Meri Posa. Hi everyone. Hi kids. Hi families. How's everyone out there doing a virtual land? Well, happy Native American History Month. I say history not heritage because us as Indigenous Peoples, we've been here for a very long time. We're the first peoples here. That's why the program that you see on the side says first person because we're the first peoples here on North America and South America. My name is Mix Meri Posa. I am Mohawk and Southern Stagalog. Nice to meet you all. I live on unceded Ramatush-alone territory. Can you all say those words with me? Ramatush-alone. Now, when I say unceded, that means the land was stolen. It's like kind of like a big, long word. So I live on stolen Ramatush-alone territory and it's important to remember that because where I live, the first peoples here now known as San Francisco are not federally recognized and a lot of rights and privileges come along with that. So it's always important to remember where we're a guest of. Who are you living on? Whose lands are you living on? And are you a guest on those lands? You should look them up. You can go to native-land.ca and look those up. Now, also along with living on the Indigenous lands, wherever you live, around the world even, here within the United States, it's important to really, really remember and acknowledge the unpaid labor of the first 12 generations of Americans of African descent who suffered the horrors of middle passage, two and a half centuries of chattel slavery and another century of de facto segregation and genocide. We are indebted to these labor of folks and acknowledged a multi-general impact of this violence that still happens today, even yesterday. So I probably said a lot of big words, but you definitely have probably a parent nearby you who can break down some of those things for you. Now, moving on, I want to say welcome to Two-Spirit Story Hour. Now, every time it's Two-Spirit Story Hour, I always know because I wear this ribbon shirt. This is a ribbon shirt given to me by my relative Sam. He goes a name by Uncle Sam. Can we all say hi, Uncle Sam? Somewhere, Uncle Sam is with us because this is a shirt he passed down to me for me to wear. So I wear it every time we do Two-Spirit Story Hour to remember him. He's still alive. I just want to be very clear about that. Now, I just want to say the next we're going to have is my favorite, favorite elder, L. Frank. L. Frank and his amazing Two-Spirit elder. And I actually met L. Frank first in a movie. Isn't that funny? Have you ever watched a movie and you said, I'd like to meet that person who's in that movie? Well, I thought that about L. Frank. And one day, boom, I met L. Frank. And I was like, hey, I saw you in this movie. The movie is called Two-Spirits. I urge you to watch that. It's more of a grown-up movie, but it definitely is something that has been with me for a while. So let's be grounded and receive a blessing from L. Frank and learn about some canoes too. My name is L. Frank and I'm talking to you from my canoe yard. In a moment, I will swim the camera and you'll be able to see the canoe that we're repairing. She's been on four tribal canoe journeys and she needs to be spruced up a little bit so that we can stop some leaks and she just goes on looking pretty. I'm living in the lands of the Homo and Miwa people in Northern California. So a shout out to them and hope they get their land back any day now. We're expecting it. In a little bit, you're going to be told a couple of stories, some very interesting stories. One about a young child who doesn't feel like they quite fit in and that happens to a lot of us. We feel like we don't quite fit in and the older we get the more alone we feel when really there are so many of us who feel different. When we all get together and we tell the honest truth that this is who we are and this is how we feel, then everything is good. Life may not be real easy sometimes, but everything is better when we get to be who we're supposed to be. So in the first story, you get to hear about someone who gets the chance because everyone who loves them takes care of them so they can be who they're going to be. That's that. Oh, you want to turn it towards the canoe? All right. So this is my canoe. She's upside down now. She's upside down now because we're repairing her. She was all red. You can see a little bit of reds in some places. So we took all that red off and repaired all of her stitches. She's glued together. She's sewn and glued together. This is the second canoe and this is the second canoe in about 270 or 80 years. Her name is Itar. That means coyote. This canoe goes on travel canoe journey with hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of other natives up in Washington state, up in the Pacific Northwest. This canoe has traveled with whales. So how did you like learning from our elder, El Frank? Did you all see the canoe? Can I share one lesson that I learned and actually that my kid learned when we went to go visit El Frank is that you never call a canoe a boat. Did you know that? You only call it a canoe. Bad things happen if you call it a boat. Now, next we're going to hear from our Auntie Ruth who's ready. Auntie Ruth is going to read us an amazing story about the Rainbow Crow. Did you know that there's a world that has rainbow bears? Let's learn about how that crow got their rainbow feathers. Hi, everyone. It's Auntie Ruth. I'm here to share my favorite story, Rainbow Crow, long, long ago, before the two legged walked the earth. The weather was always warm and the animals were always happy. But one day something happened to cause the earth to grow cold. Tiny crystals glittering like diamonds drifted down from the sky, covering earth with sparkling softness. The animals, seeing snow for the first time, were not afraid. But soon the snow deepened and moose disappeared. The tip of his tail was all the animals could see and they began to worry. The rabbit disappeared. The tips of his ears were all the animals could see and they worried more. At last they gathered together in a clearing deep inside the forest to talk about the weather. What was needed, they decided, was a messenger to travel at once to the great sky spirit and ask him to stop the snow. But who would be willing to leave earth to visit the distant place where the sky spirit dwelled? Possum said, Al is the wisest. Perhaps he should go. But no, the animals whispered, he might get lost in the light of day, so Al should not go. Then Beaver said, perhaps Raccoon should go. But no, the animals said. He might follow his tail instead of his nose, so Raccoon should not go. Then Skunk said, perhaps Coyote should go. But no, the animals shouted, Coyote is clever and loves to play tricks. He might chase the clouds or swallow the wind, so Coyote should not go. The noisy animals screeched and held because they could not decide who should visit the great sky spirit to ask him to stop the snow. And so the snow grew deeper and deeper and deeper, and the animals climbed on top of the tall animals so they would not disappear. Suddenly, down from the top of the tallest tree, flew Rainbow Crow. The most beautiful bird on earth who called out to all the animals below in the sweetest voice of all birds. And he sang, I will go, I will stop the snow. And all the animals happy at last to have Crow as their messenger shouted a song of praise. Rain, Rainbow Crow, stop the snow, Crow, fly in the sky high. Rain, Rainbow Crow, high, high, high. Then high up in the sky flew Rainbow Crow far above the snow and the winds of the earth, way beyond the moon, the stars, and the clouds. For three days Crow flew until he came upon the great sky spirit who was too busy to notice, so Rainbow Crow began to sing. Oh great spirit in the sky, the real earth and way up high, you make the creatures large and small, you are the ruler of us all, you make the trees and flowers grow, you cause the wind and clouds to blow, you make the rain, you make the snow, you make the cold on earth below. Oh great spirit in the sky, for you I sing this lullaby. The great spirit stopped to listen. Never before had he heard such a sweet voice seeing such a beautiful song. And he told Crow to choose a gift. Now Crow knew that far below on earth the snow was getting so deep that moon that soon all the earth appeared. So he asked the great spirit to stop the snow. The great spirit replied, No Crow, I could not stop the snow, for snow has the spirit of its own. When snow spirit leaves the clouds to visit with his friends, when spirit the snow will stop, but earth will still be cold. So Crow asked the great spirit to stop the cold. The great spirit replied, No Crow, I could not stop the cold. All I can do is give you the gift of fire. Fire will keep the warm and you will melt the snow so that your friends will be content until warm weather returns. The great spirit picked up a stick, put a bit of fire on the end of it, and handed it to Crow. I will give you this gift, but once hurry, fly back to earth before the fire disappears. Off flew Crow. On the first day as Crow flew down, showering sparks of fire darkened his tail feathers. On the second day as Crow flew down, the fire burned brighter and the sticks grew shorter and all of Crow's feathers were covered with soot. On the third day as Crow flew down, the fire was so hot and the stick was so short that smoke and ash blew into Crow's mouth and his voice, his voice became cracked and hoarse. Caw, caw. And when at last Crow returned to the clearing in the forest, all the animals had disappeared. Only the tops of the tallest trees could be seen. Their branches sprouting through the deep snow, so Crow flew down close to the pale, pale ground around and around until the fire melted the snow and his friends were safe. At last Crow, all alone, flew off to a distant tree where he wept. He was no longer beautiful. He could no longer sing a sweet song. His rainbow feathers were gone forever when snow spirit emptied the clouds and joined wind spirit. The snow stopped, but Crow still wept. The great sky spirit heard Crow and came down from the sky. And when he saw Crow, he said, soon the two-legged will appear on earth. He will take the fire and the master of all of you and be the master of all of you for being so brave and unselfish. I give you the gift of freedom. The two-legged will never hunt you for your meat, taste like fire and smoke. The two-legged will never capture you for your beautiful voice is now crackly and hoarse. The two-legged will never want your feathers because your rainbow colors are now black. But your black feathers will shine and they will reflect all the colors on earth and if you look closely you will see. Then Crow looked and he saw hundreds of tiny rainbows shining in his black feathers and he was content. The great spirit returned to his home in the distant sky and Crow happily returned to his friends in the forest proud that he was now black crow with shining feathers full of tiny rainbows. Would you like to see Rainbow Crow dance? Let me just check on him really quick. Rainbow Crow has a beautiful- Everyone, did you listen to the story about Auntie Ruth? What did you think about Rainbow Crow? Oh, you definitely did. So now we have a very, very, very special treat. First time ever actually in two-spirit story hour. Our next person who's going to share is actually this person. How old are you? This is my kid. I'm a parent. I want to share also that my kid's paternal side on the paternal DNA side. They're also part Diney which sometimes people call Navajo or Navajo Nation, Hopi and Mexican. Are any of you from any of those tribes as well? So little kid here is going to be singing a kid's powwow song by Black Lodge Singer. Let's go. Kid's song by Black Lodge Singer. You want to hear it? Here it goes. Hi everyone. So who liked the song by my kid? Raise your hand. You could just say me in the chat if you liked it. So next up is a very, very, very, very special treat. Kind of our main event, I guess you would say. Have you all ever seen a two-spirit drag queen? Well, if you haven't, you've got to meet Auntie Land the Lakes. Auntie Land the Lakes is going to be reading a very, very special book that my family fell in love with a long time ago and it's one of the reasons why we started Two-Spirit Story Hour. It's called 47,000 Beads and there are 10 copies at your local San Francisco Public Library. This book is written by Angel and Koja who are very, very amazing people and both are Two-Spirit themselves and also in the book the main character is Two-Spirit. This is so rare that this is the only children's picture book with a Two-Spirit main character written by Two-Spirit authors. Can you imagine the only book, at least in this country, maybe another place, maybe in Canada, they have more? So with that, I want to say hi to Auntie Land the Lakes and listen to what we're going to hear and learn about Two-Spirit people and also there'll be some special guests you've already seen in the program who are in the book. Look out for them. Hello, I'm Land the Lakes and today we're going to read 47,000 Beads. 47,000 Beads was written by Koja Edehoya and Angel Edehoya and illustrated by Holly McGinnis. It's published by Flamingo Rampit. Before we begin, I have to ask you, do you know what a powwow is? A powwow is a gathering Native Americans do where there's lots of dancing crafts and just a good get-together amongst families. So that's what a powwow is and that's partly what we're going to talk about today. Here it is, 47,000 Beads. As you can see here, they're coming home from a powwow but here Peyton doesn't look very happy. Let's find out why. Peyton's Auntie Ayota came to her room. Time for bed but before sleep, tell me why do you not dance powwow with us little one? Peyton shrugged and flopped down on her bed. Come on now, her Auntie said. Please tell me. All in a rush, Peyton said, I don't want to jingle dress dance, Auntie. I don't want to wear a dress. Peyton, there are many dances Auntie said gently and there are many different kinds of regalia and here we can see a jingle dress that is hanging up in Peyton's room. Peyton started to cry. Finally she said, there's just none for kids like me. Auntie smiled at Peyton and started undoing her braid. I think I'm beginning to understand. You sleep now, tomorrow is a new day and I know someone who can help. In the morning, Auntie Ayota baked bread and went to see a friend. She found Elle working and said, oh how's it going, Grandparent? Elle put down their tools and answered, it's a good day. What way can I help you today, Ayota? And this is Elle. Auntie Ayota gave Elle the bread she had baked and sat down together in a shady spot. When they were settled, Auntie explained that she wanted to talk about her niece Peyton. Elle asked, Peyton is the small quiet one. Oh yes, that's the one said Auntie Ayota. You've noticed her. Here they are sitting down eating the bread and there they're laughing and having a good time. I've noticed that I've always seen her keeping time with her feet but she doesn't dance. She looks at the dancers like she wants badly to dance, like in her heart she is dancing. She is a shy child. Ask Elle. Peyton is special, Grandparent. Different. I think her path is two-spirit. I think she wants regalia like her brother and uncle. She feels alone but I know she isn't. I want to show her that she's not. As you can see here Peyton is feeling very lonely in her little jingle dress. Well said Elle. I'm happy to share teachings with her and to guide her while she learns which path is hers to walk. But I think you need more than that, yeah? Ayota laughed. You saw that too. I was hoping you would help me with getting regalia together for her. The kind she really wants. I know it's a lot to ask. It's a big job, yeah, but that's why we have a community. Let me ask around. Are you still beating to Ayota? Let's draw it up. On the way home, Ayota called her sister Chapa. Peyton's other auntie and asked if she'd make Peyton new beaded belts and headbands. Maybe use lots of orange. It's her favorite. And here you can see all the drawings that they made. And this is what they envisioned the regalia to look like. Then she sat down with Peyton's mom, Micah, to explain. They spoke late into the night. Her mom asked, should I be worried? Ayota said, no, sister. You should make her a ribbon shirt and pants to match. You'll see. She'll finally get out in the arena where she's meant to be. Who else should I ask? Auntie sent an email to the grandmother who first taught her how to be, Winona. And Winona was still making regalia. And she said she would be glad to help, even if she needed a magnifying glass to see all the tiny beads on Peyton's harness and aprons. This is some of the regalia. And this right here is the harness. Auntie Ayota called her cousin all the way in Montana. He was so excited to make a set of beautiful armbands and cups for Peyton's new regalia. He sent them with a blessing to sing at the powwow for her and with a big hug for Peyton. Last, but mostly most important, El offered to make Peyton's moccasins. They had turtles on the toes to give endurance for the dance and to make Peyton's feet feel grounded to the earth. This is all the different kinds of regalia. And here is the moccasins. Do you like the little turtle? Peyton was in her room getting ready for the giveaway in potluck. It was one of her favorite and best parts of the powwow. Her aunties and mama would drum and sing and there'd be so much of all of her favorite foods, so much as much as she could eat. What should I give away Peyton thought? Grandmother says it's always something of value you give first. Wait, I've got it. Peyton sat down with the abalone shell that she had put up on the shelf. She held it and remembered how happy she had been to get it and how it made her smile all year when she looked at it. It was a perfect gift to give away. This is the abalone shell. When they got to the potluck, Auntie Yoda said, Peyton, I have a special giveaway for you this time. You have heard how when I was a little girl, I always wanted to drum, but all the drummers were men where I lived. Now you know, I'm head singer on our drum here. My family believed in me and honored me and today I'm grateful to do the same for you. Our whole family wants to give you this gift, but the person to give it to you is a new teacher for you. Auntie Yoda said, taking Elle by the hand, this grandparent will give you stories and help you find your path. A whole Toyota said, Elle, greeting Peyton, I have such stories to tell you about people from all nations who carry who carry two spirits inside of them. I can't wait to tell them to you. And here you see the powwow drum, some dancers carrying in the flags and here's Elle and Peyton. Peyton, your Tio Spani and community stand behind me to give you this gift and may you dance strong in it tomorrow, Elle said. Peyton unwrapped each package and heard who had made each and every one of them and given it to her with her mother and Auntie Yoda sitting beside her. The next day at the powwow in the arena with her anti-drumming and honor song, Peyton was finally dancing, dancing as herself not as a boy or as a girl, but as Peyton in her 47,000 beads. Here you can see Peyton. Look how happy Peyton is. Look at the smile. I hope you enjoyed the book as much as I did. I enjoyed reading with you today and I would like to thank you for joining me and celebrating First People's Month here at the San Francisco Public Library. So who loved that story? Who's going to check out that book from their local library here at SFPL? I love, love that story. Here it is again. Oh, see how much we love it? My kid doesn't even want to put it down. So I just want to say thank you to everyone. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you to Landon Lakes. I want to say thank you to the public library, friends of the public library. I want to say thank you to Jason. I want to say thank you to Auntie Ruth, Zamora, Angel and Koja. This little one who's sitting next to me. Thank you to everyone and definitely happy First People's Month and I'm going to head it off to Jason. Wow. Thank you, Mariposa. This has been a wonderful way to spend a sunny Saturday morning with beautiful blessings and stories. So please visit our library website at sfpl.org where you can rewatch this and share today's program along with many other story times. We have maker STEM programs and author talks so much more. Or you can visit us at one of our library locations and check out 47,000 beads and hundreds and hundreds of other books that you can check out. So thank you so much for joining and sharing the space with us and go out and enjoy this beautiful day. Thank you.