Tonkawa Traditions

By Melinda L. Lcas

Families are invited to celebrate Native American Heritage Month, specifically targeted to the Tonkawa tribe, at the Old Jail Art Center’s free family festival this Saturday, Nov. 16, from noon to 3:00 p.m. 

“Our Tonkawa Heritage festival this weekend will celebrate the lives and culture of Native Americans with ties to our area of Texas,” said OJAC education coordinator Molly Merck. 

The Tonkawa Indians worked alongside and traded with families living at Fort Griffin during the late 1800s. 

“Our festival will feature important aspects of Tonkawa culture such as their resourceful use of the buffalo and talent for storytelling,” said Merck.

Student artwork from Region 14 schools with a Native American style will be on display in the Stasney Center for Education.

The family festival is free and open to the public.

Those with questions can contact the OJAC education department at 325-762-2936.