Coya’s home and career will be featured during Chautauqua at Old Crossing August 24. This event will begin at 6 PM in Old Crossing and Treaty Park, Huot MN.  

It features a dynamic introduction to Coya’s energy from Oklee to D.C. by Duane Midboe of Climax, MN followed by a public discussion enlightened by author of “Coya Come Home,” Gretchen Beito. Gretchen, a Thief River Falls resident, a unique observer of social ways will share colorful insights of Coya’s time. Gretchen will be joined by other panelists and members of the audience anxious to share what you will surely enjoy.

This Coya Come Home event is part of Chautauqua & Arts Festival at Old Crossing located seven miles west of Red Lake Falls. Other events feature Bud Larsen and Keith Bear playing together, respectively on the violin and flute, whose artistic works will be introduced by North Dakota folklorist Troyd Geist. This event will follow Coya Come Home. Other events beginning at 1 PM offer an hour-by-hour schedule including The Skally Line, Ryan Keplin Michif (Metis) band, a Chautauqua presentation by Eugene Standingcloud of the Red Lake Tribal Council, the Cajun band, New Riverside Ramblers of Minneapolis, and the Crookston Community Band.

Entrance to the Park is free and open to all. A menu of festival food is available all day and a pig roast by super chef Doug Carpenter and daughter, Teresa begins at 5:30. 

“This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.”