Native Flute-Making Workshop with Tchin and We Are the Seeds

Learn how to make and play a Native courting flute with Tchin, an Indigenous Elder musician and culture bearer.

We Are the Seeds is creating space for Native and Non-Native individuals to learn to make and play the Native courting flute, which holds unique historical and cultural significance. In a modern take on this traditional art, participants will make flutes out of PVC pipes. They will also have the opportunity to learn from and have discussions with Tchin, creating opportunities for cross-cultural understanding.

All materials as well as catered lunch will be provided for participants; the event will take place rain or shine. Registration is required; space is limited to 25 participants. First-time beginners are welcome. Cost is $25 for members, $35 for non-members. This workshop is for participants aged 17 and older.

About the Teaching Artist
Tchin is Artist Facilitator at We Are the Seeds, creating artwork, teaching art workshops, and engaging with visitors. He is an internationally known, multi-award-winning artist, specializing in silverwork. Inspired by his heritage, Tchin interprets tradition, culture, and history into undeniably contemporary, sophisticated, wearable art. He has been featured in Vogue Magazine, collaborated with Cartier, and received numerous national awards for his metalwork. His jewelry is dreamed, designed, and made by him. In addition, he is an accomplished author, flutemaker, educator, lecturer, folklorist, musician, entertainer, and clothes maker. He attended the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico and graduated from Rhode Island School of Design.

About We Are the Seeds
We Are the Seeds of CultureTrust Greater Philadelphia celebrates and educates about contemporary Indigenous arts and cultures, creates expansive and holistic opportunities for Indigenous artists, and provides positive and accurate representation of Indigenous peoples. We Are the Seeds honors the voices of Native artists, performers, educators, and change-makers. Through our work, we celebrate and share who we are as Native people today. We produce cultural events, programs, and workshops that celebrate and support Indigenous arts, artists, and Native communities throughout North America. In Philadelphia to date, we have produced over 150 programs. We’ve partnered with major Philadelphia organizations to create additional programming that included Family Day at Barnes Foundation, Family Arts Academy at Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts; an arts workshop at CultureFest at Penn Museum; a finale performance for One Book One Philadelphia at the Free Library; as well as a year-long collaboration with public programming for the Philadelphia Area Creative Collaboratives Program at Haverford College.