On October 26th all of Holmes County’s Fourth Graders gathered at the historic Keith Cabin for a day of fun and learning about the importance of preserving historical structures and appreciating ancient cultures that are an integral part of Northwest Florida’s history. 

The Indians and settlers of old were not always enemies as children often believe.  In many cases, there was mutual respect and cooperation as each learned new ways from the other. During the 19th century, many settlers married Native Americans - often descendants of Creek Indians who avoided the removal of 1836.

Members of the Perdido Bay Tribe of Southeastern Lower Muscogee Creek Indians (PBT) spent the day demonstrating the universal human qualities of southeastern Indian culture, offering the students a glimpse into the activities of daily life Indian children would have known. 

Teacher-docent, Cathy Niemeyer, explains exhibits on Creek Life Ways in the Bearheart Native Paths Mobile Museum of Southeastern Creek Indian History and Culture, while Becky Armstrong and John Hartley demonstrate craft skills and techniques.

The children sat respectfully with Chief Bearheart just as Indian children of long ago would have, to learn from the wisdom of an elder leader. They learned good manners - the Indian way - by using the 'talking feather' when it was their turn to ask a question.

PBT Vice Chiefs, Robert Johns and John Hartley led the children in the ‘snake dance’ around the grounds to the sound of Marian Johns' drumming.  The children learned that dance, in many forms, has always been an integral part of Indian life - from the most solemn and sacred, to the joyful fun and sharing enjoyed this special day.

Many questions were answered as the students viewed craft items or demonstrations including weaving, pine needle basketry, gourd work, beading, and woodcarving illustrating some of the many skills used by Native people to provide the useful items they needed and add beauty to their lives.

Each child was given the materials to create a bead bracelet memento of the various activities of the day.  Each bead in the bracelet helped to illustrate the ‘Indian’ concept of how all things in life and in nature are connected in a ‘circle’ to make a whole.

Storyteller, Pat Easterwood, taught important lessons in the traditional manner of the Creek People.   Up and coming young local talent, Jonny Lipford, entertained the students with wood flute music and answered their many inquires about the various flutes he played.

The Keith Cabin embodies a place where a man of Scottish heritage and a woman of Creek Indian heritage married and raised a strong and proud family.  Nanette Sconiers Pupalaikis, descendant of this proud family, led the students in a walkabout around the old cabin to learn more about the importance of Northwest Florida’s history. 

Additional  PBT Members & Friends

Contributing to the success of this event

Jean Ward ● Reba Sconiers

Ashley Turner ● Malcolm Sowell

 Rob Pupalaikis ● Chris Johns,

Edna Dixon ● Dianne Sconiers

Jim King, Holmes Co. Commissioner

Steve Griffin, Superintendent of Schools

Sheri Brooks, Holmes District School Board

And all the Sconiers Family

The Keith Cabin Foundation invited the public to join the celebration of Northwest Florida’s spirited and diverse history at the First Annual Muscogee Creek Heritage Day. The Perdido Bay Tribe was there to share in this joyful occasion.  In addition to tours of the mobile museum, PBT members offered outdoor exhibits and demonstrations to highlight aspects of southeast Creek Indian culture and enjoyed meeting and interacting with members of the community.