Sacred Kashi, a 501(c)3 non-profit retreat center in Sebastian, is located on land originally inhabited by the Ais (pronounced “Ah-ees”) people. The Ais disappeared by 1760 through a combination of disease, colonization, enslavement, war, and genocide. To raise public awareness, Sacred Kashi will host a lecture series on the Ais and the African American community of Gifford, FL entitled Visibility and Voices: The History of Indian River County, thanks to a Florida Humanities Community Project Grant. The public is invited.
Friday, April 8, 7-8:15 PM: Barbara Purdy, PhD, Professor Emeritas, University of Florida and Curator Emeritas, Florida Museum of Natural History, will reveal archeological findings from Indian River County and unveil a land acknowledgement sign honoring the indigenous peoples.
Thursday, April 28, 7-8:15 PM: Jerald Milanich, PhD, Professor Emeritas, University of Florida and Curator Emeritas, Florida Museum of Natural History, and the Environmental Learning Center will share recent discoveries about the Ais through Jonathan Dickenson’s journal. Dickinson and his party were shipwrecked during their journey from Jamaica to Philadelphia, and experienced a harrowing journey, which included interactions with several of the tribes that inhabited the East Coast of Florida.]
Other events-
Tuesday, May 17, 7-8:15 PM: Jonnie Mae Perry, Director and CEO, Gifford Historical Museum and Cultural Center will speak via Zoom on the rich history and dignity of the Gifford community.
Space is limited for live events and CDC guidelines will be followed. Registration opens soon. Watch www.kashi.org for details.
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