Storyteller Adeline Miller at Library Feb. 26

Adeline Miller, Storyteller, Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation, will tell stories in the Hood River County Library meeting room, Friday, February 26, 3-4 PM. Her visit is sponsored by the ‘Oregon Is Indian Country’ public programs.

Many years ago, an elder would always remind Adeline Miller that she was ‘born up in the mountains, during huckleberry time.’ Now a tribal elder herself, Miller reminds her children and grandchildren of their origins – through song, dance, and ceremony. It's what keeps Miller spry.

Adeline Miller remembers a time where people made the things they needed – and stories were shared by elders, not a TV or movie screen. Born of Warm Springs, Yakama, Klickitat and Paiute stock, Miller recalls her rustic childhood in the pine forests and sage covered hills between the Cascades and Deschutes River valleys.

‘Once I lived with was my mother's aunt. She was one of the cornhusk weavers. She'd make these great big root bags like you see in the museum,’ said Miller.

Miller's aunt and grandmother had her deliver food to the elders, as a way to honor and care for them. ‘I was very fortunate to live with grandmother to learn all this. And this is where I learned most of my knowledge that I remember.’

Miller worked a number of jobs, including farming and working at the tribal office. After retiring in 1991, she finds herself busier than ever.

‘Right now I work with the language. I help early childhood school by going over there singing song or recording songs for them and teaching dances. So I feel that to teach them at a young age they know who they are, to be proud that they're Indian people that they'll never be anything other than that, said Miller.

Miller says by caring for elders, sharing knowledge with youngsters, and being generous with everyone, people can live full and happy lives. It's what keeps her traditions alive, and her spirits high.