June
Saturday, June 3, 2023
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Riverfront Park, Reading, PA
Good Medicine Indigenous Wellness Celebration
Thank you to our Giveaway Sponsor, Wildcraft Landscapes! And thanks to our media sponsor, Natural Awakenings magazine, for promoting the event!
Widoktadwen Center for Native Knowledge presents our first annual Good Medicine Indigenous Wellness Celebration on Saturday, June 3rd at Riverfront Park in Reading, PA. Learn about Native American approaches to health and wellness and connect with local resources.
We will kick off the event with a Rally for the River at 10 am with an exciting lineup of speakers to teach us about the history of our beloved Schuylkill River and how our health is intricately connected to the health of our land and water. Water is life!
Event is FREE and open to ALL!
FREE FOOD AND SWAG
HEALTHY COOKING DEMOS
HEALTH EDUCATION
VACCINES
HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS
NATIVE AMERICAN DANCE DEMOS
MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT
LOCAL WELLNESS PROFESSIONALS
NONPROFIT RESOURCES
GUN SAFETY EDUCATION
ARTS AND CRAFTS
KAYAK DEMOS
WELLNESS GIVEAWAYS
RAFFLES & MORE!
Past Events
October
Wednesday, October 13, 2021
4:30-5:50 p.m.
Academic Forum, Kutztown University
Presentation for KU English Department about Executive Director Amanda Funk’s experience as a contemporary Indigenous woman in Berks County. Complement to Native Women Writers class, sponsored by the English and Women & Gender Studies Departments.
Saturday, October 23, 2021
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
300 block King Street, Pottstown, PA
Week Without Violence Block Event
YWCA Tri-County Area
Join YWCA for the unveiling of an inspiring Street Art Installation, Poetry, Dance, Art Contest, Family Activities, Food & more! Get your free ticket.
November
Wednesday, November 10, 2021
10-10:50 a.m. on Zoom
Office of Veterans Services, Kutztown University
Native American Veterans Program
Sunday, November 21, 2021
10 a.m.
Koinos Community Church
Introduction to local Indigenous peoples of the past and present in addition to regular Sunday worship.
January
**NEW DATE!
Sunday, January 29, 2022
10 a.m. to noon
MLK Day of Service
Downtown Reading
130 W. Buttonwood Street, Reading, PA 19602
Join us for our MLK Day of Service in partnership with the City of Reading Public Works as we clean up the riverfront. All clean up supplies will be provided. We’ll also have snacks, water, and hot chocolate for our volunteers!
February
Tuesday, February 14, 2022
1 p.m.
Story Time
Spring Township Library
Join us for a nature-themed story time at the library.
Thursday, February 17, 2022
11 a.m.
Story Time
West Lawn-Wyomissing Hills Library
Join us for a story time outdoors at the park across the street from the library in West Lawn. Dress for the weather!
Saturday, February 18, 2022
doors open 3 p.m., game starts 4 p.m.
Marvel Night at the Reading Royals
Santander Arena
We are excited to announce that in February we are joining forces with the Reading Royals to be the nonprofit of the game on February 18th, which also happens to be Marvel Night! We hope that you’ll join us for a night of fun and community engagement and support the important work of our organization.
Tuesday, February 22, 2022
10 a.m.
Reading Public Museum
Arboretum Education Lecture
We’ll be talking about wild foods and foraging in the Arboretum for wild greens, roots, and other stuff we can eat. You can check out their corresponding special exhibit, Roots of Wisdom: Native Knowledge. Shared Science. now through April 24, 2022.
March
Friday, March 4, 2022
Commission on Human Diversity 12th Annual Conference
Kutztown University
This year’s theme, “Taking Action with Compassion: Advocacy, Healing and Reform,” responds to the ongoing need for action in the face of injustice while also acknowledging the importance of self-care and connection with others that seem especially critical at this moment.
Wednesday, March 23, 2022
7 p.m. on Zoom
“Take & Make” Craft
West Lawn-Wyomissing Hills Library
Pick up your craft kit in advance at the West Lawn-Wyomissing Hills Library between 3/16-3/23 and join us live on Zoom at 7 p.m. as we learn how to make a medicine bag together.
Thursday, March 31, 2022
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Student Recreation Center
Kutztown University
2022 National Intramural Recreation Sports/ Wellness EXPO
Visit a variety of vendors, focused on the theme “Golden Partners.” Free demonstrations and complimentary refreshments.
April
Friday, April 22, 2022
3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Spring Foraging Walk with Emerging Leaders United (ELU)
United Way of Berks County
2nd & Washington Streets
We’ll share some information about our organization with attendees, including how United Way funding supports our work. Then we’ll take a walk downtown to forage for a snack that we’ll prepare when we return to the building. *For ELU members.
Saturday, April 23, 2022
9 a.m. to noon
Great American Cleanup
Join us as we help cleanup the City of Reading before the Earth Day event.
Saturday, April 23, 2022
noon to 6 p.m.
Reading’s City Park at 11th & Washington Streets
Earth Day Berks County
The annual Berks County Earth Day Celebration is a family friendly event with a dedicated mission to educate the community and increase awareness on sustainability and the environment…. ranging from local to global topics and everything in between!
May
Saturday, May 7, 2022
10 AM – 2 PM, the Walk starts at 11 AM
Humane Pennsylvania Walk for the Animals
Jim Dietrich Park, 4899 Stoudts Ferry Bridge Rd, Reading, PA 19605
Join Humane Pennsylvania for this year’s 45th Annual Performance Toyota Walk for the Animals at Jim Dietrich Park, which is incredibly spacious and beautiful! Enjoy a 1 mile Walk along the river with your pup, family, and friends – all in support of their mission and animals. Stay for the fun as live music, vendors, food trucks, games, and a doggie area that’s sure to please all pups!
Saturday, May 14, 2022
10 am to 3 pm (Rain date: May 21, 2022)
The Camel Project Street Art Festival
Kindness & Creativity
Reading Muhlenberg Career and Technology Center
2615 Warren Rd, Reading, PA 19604 (map)
FREE! Scheduled events at 11 am, Noon, 1 pm and 2 pm include storytime, music, dance, and a special appearance by the Reading Police K-9 unit. Art exhibits and music throughout the day. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets, and enjoy this outdoor family fun day filled with art, interactive activities, music, and food!
June
Saturday, June 11, 2022
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Gather in the Garden
Buttonwood Community Garden
Buttonwood Street & Division Street (beside Front & Schiller Playground)
Join us at the newly renovated Buttonwood Community Garden and learn more about how you can get involved. You’ll learn about opportunities to volunteer caring for our organization’s garden plots and the option to rent your very own plot! We’ll also be cleaning up the Front & Schiller Playground adjacent to the garden. We’d love to see you! As a bonus, we’ll show you some tasty treats growing wild around the garden area and playground that you can access anytime. Snacks provided!
Saturday, June 11, 2022
12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Black Health Matters Health & Wellness Fair
Berks Lodge #47
247 Walnut Street, Reading, PA 19601
Meet the health providers and wellness resources in our community and learn how to maximize living good health for yourself and your family,
June 18, 2022
12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Juneteenth 2022 Reading PA
Berks Lodge #47
247 Walnut Street, Reading, PA 19601
All are welcome to the Juneteenth 2022 SATURDAY COMMUNITY FAMILY BARBEQUE honoring community leaders and youth. Come for food, vendors, music, Black history, and health resources. Bring your chairs!
Thursday, June 30, 2022
7 p.m.
A Taste of Nature: Canning 101 Series
The Nature Place
575 St. Bernardine Street Reading, PA 19607
Berks Nature is joined by the Widoktadwen Center for Native Knowledge to learn, through practice, the value and satisfaction of food preservation and canning. We will provide all canning supplies including produce grown primarily at The Nature Place. Participants will leave each session with their own canned product and canning recipes.
*PLEASE FEEL FREE TO BRING OWN PRODUCE TO CAN! If you do not have your own some will be provided by Berks Nature.
DATES:
Thursday, June 30th at 7PM: Strawberry Jam
Thursday, July 28th at 7PM: Cucumber Pickles
Thursday, August 25th at 7PM: Tomato Salsa
July
Thursday, July 14, 2022
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
PRIDE WEEK EVENT: Two Spirit Stories from Indian Country
Berks County Community Foundation
237 Court Street, Reading, PA 19601
Saturday, July 16, 2022
noon-1 p.m.
Native American Genealogy
Village Library of Morgantown
Join us for a dynamic presentation about diving into your roots with our Native American Genealogy program at the Village Library of Morgantown. We’ll be sharing resources and research approaches, and debunking myths about Native American DNA. Guests will have the opportunity to ask questions. Attendees will be entered to win a free DNA kit courtesy of the Village Library!
Sunday, July 17, 2022
11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Reading Pride Celebration
Jim Dietrich Park, 4899 Stoudts Ferry Bridge Rd, Reading, PA 19605
Thursday, July 28, 2022
7 p.m.
A Taste of Nature: Canning 101 Series
The Nature Place
575 St. Bernardine Street Reading, PA 19607
Berks Nature is joined by the Widoktadwen Center for Native Knowledge to learn, through practice, the value and satisfaction of food preservation and canning. We will provide all canning supplies including produce grown primarily at The Nature Place. Participants will leave each session with their own canned product and canning recipes.
*PLEASE FEEL FREE TO BRING OWN PRODUCE TO CAN! If you do not have your own some will be provided by Berks Nature.
DATES:
Thursday, June 30th at 7PM: Strawberry Jam
Thursday, July 28th at 7PM: Cucumber Pickles
Thursday, August 25th at 7PM: Tomato Salsa
August
Thursday, August 25, 2022
7 p.m.
A Taste of Nature: Canning 101 Series
The Nature Place
575 St. Bernardine Street Reading, PA 19607
Berks Nature is joined by the Widoktadwen Center for Native Knowledge to learn, through practice, the value and satisfaction of food preservation and canning. We will provide all canning supplies including produce grown primarily at The Nature Place. Participants will leave each session with their own canned product and canning recipes.
*PLEASE FEEL FREE TO BRING OWN PRODUCE TO CAN! If you do not have your own some will be provided by Berks Nature.
DATES:
Thursday, June 30th at 7PM: Strawberry Jam
Thursday, July 28th at 7PM: Cucumber Pickles
Thursday, August 25th at 7PM: Tomato Salsa
September
Saturday, September 24, 2022
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Guts & Glory Digestive and Wellness Expo
Penn State Berks Perkins Plaza Event Lawn
1801 Broadcasting Road
Wyomissing, PA 19610
Guts & Glory is an annual wellness exhibition – a journey of wellness education, nutritional awareness, and health. Be sure to catch a special interactive performance by Native Nations Dance Theater of Philadelphia from 10:30-11:00 a.m.!
October
Thursday, October 20, 2022
9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Kutztown University McFarland Student Union Building
Health & Wellness Expo
This year we are bringing the Expo to the North Side of Campus at the McFarland Student Union Building on Thursday, October 20th with the theme “Wellness Fall Carnival.”
Saturday, October 29, 2022
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
LGBT Center of Greater Reading
The LGBT Center of Greater Reading is partnering with Drexel University College of Medicine Health Outreach Project for our 2022 Community Health Fair.
November
Saturday, November 5, 2022
10 a.m.
Exeter Community Library
Storytime and Craft!
Indigenous Film Festival
Week of 11/7/22-11/11/22
Monday, November 7, 2022
6 p.m.
Fox Berkshire, Wyomissing
Night Raiders (2019)
The year is 2043. A military occupation controls disenfranchised cities in post-war North America. Children are property of the State. A desperate Cree woman joins an underground band of vigilantes to infiltrate a State children’s academy and get her daughter back. Night Raiders is a female-driven dystopian drama about resilience, courage and love.
Reserve your FREE ticket at the box office OR reserve your FREE ticket online! ($1.99 processing fee applies to all online reservations)
Wednesday, November 9, 2022
Boscov Theater at the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts
Fighting Indians documentary screening and panel discussion with filmmaker Mark Cooley and the Coalition of Natives and Allies.
On May 16th, 2019, The State of Maine made history by passing LD 944 An Act to Ban Native American Mascots in All Public Schools, the first legislation of its kind in the country. For Maine’s tribal nations, the landmark legislation marked an end to a decades long struggle to educate the public on the harms of Native American mascotry. Fighting Indians chronicles the last and most contentious holdout in that struggle, the homogeneously white Skowhegan High School known for decades as “The Home of the Indians.” This is the story of a small New England community forced to reckon with its identity, its sordid history, and future relationship with its indigenous neighbors. It is a story of a small town divided against the backdrop of a nation divided where the “mascot debate” exposes centuries old abuses while asking if reconciliation is possible.
Wednesday, November 9, 2022
Screenings of multiple films all day at Kutztown University. Free to the public!
MSU Alumni Auditorium
12-2 p.m. Ama
3-5 p.m. Awake
6-8 p.m. More Than a Word
Thursday, November 10, 2022
7:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
Doubletree Hotel Reading
Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Berks Regional Chapter Presents:
National Philanthropy Day Awards & Breakfast
Followed by a Conversation with Edgar Villanueva, author of Decolonizing Wealth
Thursday, November 10, 2022
1 p.m.
Home from School: The Children of Carlisle documentary screening
Reading Public Museum
Free with museum admission. Guests will also be able to view the new exhibition Indigenous Identities: Portraits of Native Americans in the Civil War Era with their general admission.
Friday, November 11, 2022
Screenings of multiple films all day at Kutztown University. Free to the public!
MSU 218
12-1 p.m. Film Shorts on Indigenous Fashion
1-2 p.m. Film Shorts on Two Spirits and Feminism
3-5 p.m. Home from School
6-8 p.m. Rhymes for Young Ghouls
Monday, November 14, 2022
6:30 p.m.
Exeter Community Library
Native American Genealogy Program
Join us for a dynamic presentation about diving into your roots with our Native American Genealogy program at the Exeter Community Library. We’ll be sharing resources and research approaches, and debunking myths about Native American DNA. Guests will have the opportunity to ask questions.
Tuesday, November 15, 2022
1:00-4:00 p.m.
Kutztown University McFarland Student Union Building MSU 218
Indigenous Peoples’ Showcase
Sponsored by Kutztown University Multicultural Center
Thursday, November 17, 2022
11 a.m.
West Lawn-Wyomissing Hills Library
Storytime
We’ll be reading We Are Water Protectors…and then we’ll enjoy a fun and interactive water activity.
Friday, November 25, 2022
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Native American Heritage Day Celebration & BOOKFAIR!
Barnes & Noble Reading
Join us for a day-long event celebrating Native American Heritage Day!
We’ll have story times for kids, crafts for all ages, traditional storytelling, music, Native American artifacts, and more! This event is coupled with a fundraising BOOKFAIR, where every store purchase made with our Bookfair ID 2641643 benefits the Widoktadwen Center for Native Knowledge. The more sales made, the more our charity earns. 5% of online purchases made with our Bookfair ID will also go to us, so no worries if you’re unable to shop in person. You can also use our code IN STORE at any Barnes and Noble anywhere on November 25th, 2022 and support us from wherever you are! ( The day’s on site events will take place at the Wyomissing store ONLY.)
Tuesday, November 29, 2022
6:30 p.m.
Indigenous Approaches to Conservation
Berks County Conservation District
Join us to learn about Indigenous people’s relationship with their environment and traditional approaches to conservation. We’ll explore the idea of reciprocity in our relationship with nature.
February
Friday, February 3, 2023
6 p.m.
Fireside Fridays with Berks Nature
The Nature Place at Berks Nature
A conversation by the fireside at The Rookery at The Nature Place with Widoktadwen Center for Native Knowledge. Visit Berks Nature’s website for registration.
Sunday, February 5, 2023
3 p.m.
Native Americans in Berks County: Past, Present, Future
Bern Reformed United Church of Christ
3196 Bernville Rd, Leesport, PA 19533
In this introductory presentation, folks will learn about Native American history in Berks County and Pennsylvania at large. We’ll talk about misconceptions of Native American identity and what the local Native American community looks like today. Together, we’ll consider this ever-important question: “How has the past shaped our present moment?” Guests will have the opportunity to ask questions.
Saturday, February 18, 2023
doors open 3 p.m., game starts 4 p.m.
Night at the Reading Royals
Santander Arena
We are excited to announce that in February we are joining forces with the Reading Royals to be the nonprofit of the game on February 18th for Ant Man & the Wasp Night! We hope that you’ll join us for a night of fun and community engagement and support the important work of our organization. Purchase your tickets through this link and we will receive a portion of the proceeds: https://fevo.me/widoktadwen23
Thursday, February 23, 2023
6:30 p.m.
Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Center
522 W Maple St, Allentown, PA 18101
Two Spirit Stories from Indian Country
All are invited to join us for our dynamic Two Spirit Stories from Indian Country event lead by Amanda Funk (she/her) from Widoktawen Center for Native Knowledge! Grab your friends and come on out to enjoy good food and drink while we learn about Two Spirit (2S) identities and listen to the stories of several notable 2S leaders. Test your new knowledge with our Kahoot! games for a chance to win some prizes!
For more information, reach out to Robin Gow (they/ze/he), Associate Director of Community Programs at Robin@BradburySullivanCenter.Org.
March
Saturday, March 4, 2023
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Dr. Super’s House of Health
2209 Quarry Drive, Suite B-21
Reading, PA 19609
Adjust-A-Thon by Dr. Super’s House of Health
We’re honored to be selected as the donation recipient for this month’s Adjust-A-Thon by Dr. Super’s House of Health! Visit Dr. Super on Saturday, March 4th for a chiropractic adjustment or chair massage, with all donations going to the Widoktadwen Center for Native Knowledge.
Saturday, March 11, 2023 (snow date 3/18)
10 a.m.
Indigenous Women of Berks
Berks History Center
Learn about the enduring legacy of Indigenous women in Berks County and their important cultural roles in traditional Native society. We’ll enjoy some traditional refreshments and have a lovely giveaway for all attendees! Program sponsored by Berks Women’s History Alliance.
April
Saturday, April 22, 2023
12:00-6:00 p.m.
Earth Day Berks
Reading City Park (11th & Washington)
We are so excited to welcome our loving and graciously supportive community and neighbors to join us for a fun, festive, and unforgettable day! This year is also the City of Reading’s 275th Anniversary Celebration! Take pride in our heritage and abundant support of our Mother Earth with free entertainment including wildlife presentations, live bands, activities for the kids, an interactive Indigenous experience, and appearances by popular mascots as well as delicious food, various guest speakers, assorted vendors and our wonderful exhibitors such as FirstEnergy, Deka, Public Works of Reading, and many others!
May
Saturday, May 6, 2023
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Reading Muhlenberg Career & Technology Center
Camel Project Berks Street Art Festival
Come enjoy this outdoor family fun day filled with art, interactive activities, music, and food! Show off your talents with chalk on the asphalt paved lots at RMCTC. It’s free for everyone to attend! All ages are welcome. There will be music, art, food, entertainment, and lots of other activities for children and adults. We’ll provide the chalk, or you can bring your own. Register below. (Free chalk to first 200 registered chalk-art participants.)
Widoktadwen Center for Native Knowledge 