AmRev360: Exploring Native Cultures with Jordan and Kehala Smith

Living history interpreters Jordan Smith (Mohawk, Bear Clan) and Kehala Smith (Tuscarora Nation, Turtle Clan) currently reside on the Tuscarora Indian Reservation but travel the world to educate on Native American culture, history, song, and dance, from pre-contact to modern contemporary Indigenous culture with emphasis on historical material culture for 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. 

Jordan teaches culture to students in the Niagara Wheatfield school district (K-12) and is currently the head of Native education at Old Fort Niagara historic site in Youngstown, New York. Kehala, a fifth-generation beadworker, is the creator and designer of Kreations by Kehala, which features Native American beadwork, jewelry, clothing, and statement pieces. She also serves as the assistant social dance teacher to the youth on the Tuscarora Reservation and is a Native American dance presentation coordinator and dancer. 

In this episode of our AmRev360 web series, Jordan and Kehala join Museum President & CEO Dr. R. Scott Stephenson to discuss their work and the importance for all people to explore Native stories.

During the Museum’s annual Indigenous Peoples Weekend celebration in October, Jordan and Kehala were onsite to share stories about their culture, costuming, and traditions, and engage guests in conversation about the past, present, and future of their people. They also demonstrated and displayed culturally meaningful objects and materials, including woven baskets, slippery elm bark, and wampum belts.

AmRev360 features lively conversations on the American Revolution from all angles between Stephenson and a broad slate of dynamic guests, including authors, actors, community leaders, and more. Interested in more Museum videos, subscribe to our Youtube channel.