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‘Bear-becue’ on Meadowcroft menu

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Visitors learn about traditional American Indian cooking Saturday at the American Indian Heritage Weekend at Meadowcroft in Avella.

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A re-enactor shows visitors fish native to the region Saturday at the American Indian Heritage Weekend at Meadowcroft in Avella.

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Andrea Krill skins a bear Saturday at the seventh annual American Indian Heritage Weekend at Meadowcroft in Avella.

It had been hours since Andrea Krill last moved. Slowly, using a replica of an early American Indian tool, she pealed back the hide of the large black bear that hung before her.

The demonstration is what lured Krill to Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village’s seventh annual American Indian Heritage Weekend Saturday. A hand injury initially deterred her, but once she started, she just couldn’t stop.

“It’s very primal, satisfying even,” Krill, a Belle Vernon resident, said of the process.

She occasionally stopped to swat away a bee or for a volunteer to sharpen her blade. Todd “Ghost In The Face” Johnson, an American Indian reenactor, worked along side Krill as visitors watched. Using a small piece of flint, Johnson made quick work of the flesh. Every piece of the bear, which was provided by the Pennsylvania Game Commission, was used during the weekend’s events.

“We are having a bear-becue,” Johnson said. “The whole point of this program is to give the public the opportunity to do these things. It’s a cultural emersion program.”


Johnson said this was the sixth year the butchering and skinning demonstration was made available. In the past, visitors were able to skin bobcat, deer, beaver and other small game.

As they worked, Johnson answered questions from the public and explained the skinning process. The tool must be held a certain way to prevent injury and flesh must be cut at a 45 degree angle. Tension from pulling back on the hide helps.

“I didn’t think I could do this,” Krill said. “You don’t get to do this in everyday life. It’s fun and there is a sense of community. I’ve always had an Indian spirt, so this is right up my alley.”

In addition to the skinning demonstration, visitors could explore the rockshelter, a 16th century Monongahela Indian village, an 18th century trading post and the banks of Cross Creek for a fishing demonstration. Each location had hands-on activities including pottery, cooking and bead work.

Dave Scofield, the site’s director, said the event showcases life in the region during crucial periods of change,

“It’s a natural connection to the story of people here in Western Pennsylvania,” he said.

Meadowcroft, located at 401 Meadowcroft Road, Avella, is open to the public during weekends in October.

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