Presentations
Tish McFadden is available in her regional area for community presentations in classrooms, at libraries, museums, outdoor schools, and camps, as well as private events. Her programs can be customized to include readings from the story, songs of the journey, films with Agnes Baker Pilgrim, a PowerPoint presentation, and sharing what she learned from Grandma Aggie throughout their friendship. Tish’s programs are flexible to accommodate interests, age groups, timeframes, or needs. Fees are determined by program length, group size, and travel time.
Tish has beta-tested her pioneering program at various grade levels and at a variety of community events. She has presented to retirement centers, libraries, historical societies, and other public gatherings. Also in schools, at youth camps, and while leading hiking trips on the Table Rocks. Her original story and songs receive enthusiastic responses from all ages.
There is strong interest from schoolteachers, reading specialists, parents, and educators who have seen the educational materials, participated in its development, or had Upriver to Morning storytelling sessions in their classrooms. The project promotes literacy, serves bilingual children, and encourages creativity through reading, drama, music, movement, and art.
Upriver to Morning author and project manager, Tish McFadden, is a former archaeologist and anthropologist on public lands who met Agnes Baker Pilgrim in the 1980s while working to protect the prehistoric sites, artifacts, and cultural features of her ancestors in the Rogue River watershed. Tish is also a published author and songwriter, teacher, and musician.
Press Kit for Sponsors
Tish’s teaching fable and original songs weave inter-generational themes within the context of Salmon’s yearlong journey from the Pacific Ocean to the Rogue River’s source at Boundary Springs. The narrative is rooted in universal life lessons that deepen our capacity for compassion, our sense of belonging, and our connection to nature.
Because Upriver to Morning is culturally and environmentally timely, and a first of its kind, it has drawn interest among a wide range of professionals – from educators and editors to artists and filmmakers – who are delivering critical skills, input, and expertise to the project.
Tish McFadden lives in Ashland, Oregon where she is a published author (Wilderness Press, AdventureKEEN, and Anthology Works), a published songwriter (Big Round Records and Rum Tum Music), and music educator. She is also a former United States Forest Service archaeologist and historian—the career that originally introduced her to Agnes Baker Pilgrim, spiritual elder of the Takelma people. More recently, Agnes Baker Pilgrim became the inspiration for Tish’s book and educational program, Upriver to Morning. Tish’s occupation as an author, educator, musician, performer, and recording artist spans over thirty years. Upriver to Morning is a synthesis of her life’s work in cultural preservation, writing, and music.
Downloadable Files
Tish McFadden – high resolution photo
Upriver to Morning Logo – medium resolution photo
Upriver to Morning Banner – high resolution photo
A Sample of Tish’s Upriver to Morning Program Reviews
“As we strive to live in right relations with the land and the people of the land, this narrative reminds us of the life force in all things. Upriver to Morning weaves music, drama, strong imagery, animal friends, historical knowledge, and cultural wisdom into a story that captivates audiences young and old. I give Upriver to Morning my whole-hearted recommendation and I am grateful that the stories of the past will continue to be the stories of today. May the legacy of the first people be lifted up, shared and remembered so that we can learn from them and honor them in our thoughts, words and actions.” – Tia McLean, So. Oregon Teacher of the Year 2020, Helman Elementary School, Ashland, Oregon