Join us in the Chehalem Cultural Center’s Room 201 for an afternoon of books, art, and fun with! Join us for a bilingual (English & Chinuk WaWa) reading of “Beat the Drum” with (TOJC Board Member) Qahir Beejee Peco and learn Chinuk words.

All materials will be provided, including one free copy of the book per family! This event is for all ages, particularly children and their adults.

Storyteller: Qahir Beejee Peco

Author: Katie Kissinger

Artwork: Chenoa Barton

BEAT THE DRUM is a book about a Native American child who is assigned female but challenges both gender and tribal stereotypes to be who she is. The book is a collaborative project between the Storyteller, the Author, and the Illustrator, one of whom is a member of and another a descendent of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. Beat The Drum is bilingual in English and Chinuk which is the trade language of many Tribes in the West. The story introduces the terminology "two-spirit" and affirms gender fluid identity as well as highlighting traditional Tribal art. The artwork in the book inspires a connection to the earth and to the journey this child travels to sit in the full power of their true self.

Age range from 3 years to 10 years.