Events › Plant Talking- Ethnobotany

Come learn about stories that surround the plants which encompass the lives of the Northern Cheyenne Nation.

Linwood Tall Bull plays a crucial role in bridging the cultural heritage of the Northern Cheyenne tribe with the plants found on their reservation. As an ethnobotanist and teacher, Linwood infuses life into these plants by sharing stories passed down through generations. These narratives highlight the significance of each plant in daily life, establishing a profound connection between the community and the natural world.

Linwood's teaching methods go beyond mere botanical education; they serve as a conduit for preserving and transmitting cultural wisdom. This approach helps to instill a sense of reverence for nature and a holistic understanding of the interdependence between the Northern Cheyenne people and the plant life that surrounds them. Overall, Linwood Tall Bull's work exemplifies how storytelling and cultural connections can enhance our appreciation and relationship with the natural world.

Presenters:

Linwood Tall Bull, a respected member of the Northern Cheyenne tribe in Busby, Montana, serves as an ethnobotanist and teacher at Chief Dull Knife College in Lame Deer. With over 30 years of experience, Linwood has directed health and elderly programs, notably at the Shoulder Blade Independent Living Center. He has also taught medical programs in hospitals, using Indian sign language to train doctors in diagnosing native patients. Linwood is an active member of an ancient warrior society dedicated to preserving Cheyenne culture and traditional beliefs. Known by his Cheyenne name, Ho’neh’eso (Young Wolf), he currently imparts knowledge in ethnobotany and cultural courses at Chief Dull Knife College.

John Bennett, a retired teacher with 40+ years of experience, was the 2012 APS Teacher of the Year at Akron Public Schools. After retiring, he became an embedded technology specialist at The Lippman School, focusing on cross-cultural learning through technology. Actively involved with the Northern Cheyenne Reservation, he's a frequent presenter at technology conferences and contributed to the National Education Technology Plan 2010. John holds a B.S. in Elementary Education and a Masters in Educational Administration from The University of Akron. He's also the creator of a problem-based learning unit for walkportagepath.org.