1. A Look at Ndakinna
Education Center
by Ivan Erchak

2. An affiliate of the Greenfield Review Literary Center in Greenfield Center, New
York, the Ndakinna Education Center promotes awareness of the natural world
through a variety of presentations, exhibits, and hands-on experiences related to
Native American and Adirondack culture. The center includes an exhibit space
that features Native tools, instruments, and clothing, as well as several wigwams
and a full-scale birch bark canoe. It also offers a number of wilderness classes
designed to enhance teamwork, critical thinking, cooperation, and observation
skills.

3. Visitors to the Ndakinna Education Center can experience the rich tradition of oral
storytelling that is central to many of its programs. Especially when combined with
physical activity, storytelling can have positive effects on cognition, focus, self-
expression, and creativity. Oral storytelling by staff and guests, including many
American Indian elders, provides a means of entertainment and education.

4. About Ivan Erchak: Wilderness instructor and environmental scientist Ivan Erchak
was Head Instructor and Ecology and Skills Director at the Ndakinna Education
Center from 2000 to 2009.