Brian Fox Ellis

Black Hawk's Band Brian Fox Ellis

Imagine sitting around a campfire with Ma-ka-tai-me-she-kiuk-kiuk, Black Hawk, listening to the stories of creation and the legends of his grandfathers. Storyteller and historian Brian "Fox" Ellis begins with his family's avoidance of the Trail of Tears and the forced removal of the Cherokee Nation. Using this personal story and a deep knowledge of Native American history this intimate journey builds a bridge, bringing you back into those dark days of American History with both humor and real insight, drawing strength from the resilience of the people. Then leading you down the path through time to an encounter with Black Hawk's Band. Two-thirds of the program is drawn directly from Black Hawk's Autobiography. Fox then transitions to the reporter who transcribed and published Black Hawk's story. Weaving true history with folklore to create a tapestry of symbolic language he draws the audience into the world view of this respected leader of his people. There are traditional chants and drumming songs, to help you see the world through Native eyes. Brian "Fox" Ellis is an internationally renowned storyteller, author and naturalist. Fox is a frequent speaker on the modern Chautauqua circuit. As a friend of Blackhawk he recently presented 36 programs for the Illinois Bicentennial through a grant from the Illinois Humanities Council. He has also performed for the Elders of the Sauk Nation. Fox is a museum consultant who has worked with The Field Museum and The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library. He has hosted, produced written and researched several documentaries for PBS and has recently launched a podcast, Fox Tales International. He is the author of more than 2 dozen books including the critically acclaimed Learning From the Land: Teaching Ecology Through Stories and Activities, (Libraries Unlimited, 2011), a series of Chautauqua style autobiographies, History In Person and a collection of Fox Tales Folklore. He and his wife run a Bed and Breakfast in Bishop Hill, Illinois, The Twinflower Inn, where he also leads bird watching adventuresThis book is part of a growing series of live performances available as audio-books, video, ebooks and print on demand paperbacks. Look for other books in the History In Person series. Subscribe to the Fox Tales International podcast and YouTube channel to collect all of these unauthorized autobiographies.