(Buford, Ga., Nov. 14, 2018) — The Native American Festival will be held on Nov. 19 at the Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center (GEHC), from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with activities for people of all ages. The festival is part of Native American Heritage month and will expose visitors to traditional Cherokee games, grinding corn, hearing Native American stories and learning to speak and write with the Cherokee syllabary created by Sequoyah. Activities will include exploring tools, weapons, and musical instruments made from river cane, native plant hikes, and a showing of GEHC’s Stellarium presentation to explore how Native Americans interpreted the stars.

According to the New Georgia Encyclopedia, the first humans to arrive in Georgia appeared more than 12,000 years ago. “While the earliest people to inhabit Georgia and Gwinnett did not leave a written record of their experiences, it is important to note that they made a significant impact that is still felt today. This festival and Native American Heritage Month remind us that Gwinnett and Georgia are continually influenced by those who came before us,” said Jason West, Manager at GEHC.

During the event, visitors can view the Roots of Wisdom – Native Knowledge, Shared Science exhibit highlighting four Native American communities from across the country and exploring the blending of age-old traditions and modern science. The exhibit is produced and toured by the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry and made possible with funds provided by the National Science Foundation.

Admission to the Native American Festival is $5 per person for Gwinnett residents and $10 per person for out of county guests. Register online at www.gwinnettEHC.com using code EHC48128 or pay at the door on the day of the event. For more information, call 770.904.3500.