The Church is pleased to welcome back Jeffrey Pegram, Tsalagi Nation (Cherokee) singer and composer and member of the Wolf Clan, for a presentation that explores the animal ‘clans’ and symbols of Native American traditions and narratives. What do our Indigenous neighbors mean when they say they are ‘turtle’ or ‘otter’? Come find out in the intimate and enlightening talk!

Pegram welcomes you to reconsider our wild four-legged brothers and sisters as family as we dive deep into the meaning of animal clans in Indigenous culture and the symbolic meaning of specific animals. For example, “wolves care about their families,” says Pegram. “They protect the group. Kids are their clan before they even arrive on the planet. They’re born into their families. Whatever their family is, they are naturally as well. If it’s wolf clan..they’re already wolves.”  Presenting creation stories and sharing traditional songs about the wolf, the bear, the eagle, and the turtle, Pegram invites audiences to reconnect with Mother Earth through rhythm and sound. Following the discussion, there will be a brief Q&A.

Those who joined us for the special opening of Eternal Testament earlier this spring will remember Jeffrey as the guiding spirit who led us up to the gallery and into a community drum Circle. A natural leader with a talent for bringing people together and who collaborates easily with peers, award-winning musicians, the community, and people from all walks of life, Pegram reminds us all to reflect, learn, and grow.

This program is part of the exhibition program of The Ark, our current exhibition, curated by Eric Fischl. Through the exhibition of sculptures of animals, the show aims to seek connections between humanity, animals, and the natural world.