James Parker offers classes ranging from flintknapping, to fire making, to primitive cordage. The purpose of these programs is to increase the knowledge and understanding of the lifeways of prehistoric people. We seek to offer a variety of classes that offer a look into the ways and technologies of the past. We provide participants with knowledge drawn from history, archaeology, experimental studies, individual and collaborated research projects, and living oral traditions. We incorporate this information into study and hands-on learning for insight into the ways of our ancestors and insight into ourselves. We use this information to increase the understanding of the Southeastern Natives of North America, the New World, and aboriginal people throughout the world. "The learning and practice of aboriginal skills can help us all get in touch with our own roots--no matter what our particular heritage may be (American Indian, European, African, Asian, etc.) Here in North America, we look to the Indian peoples and the ancestors of these people to teach us the skills that are 'native' to this place. Yet, if we go back far enough into our own pasts, we discover that we are all aboriginal peoples at some time in some place. The 'stone age' is the great common denominator of humanness. 'Primitive' (first) skills are our shared inheritance." --Steve Watts, Director, Southeastern Native American Studies Program