The Sharing of Culture

On Thursday, November 16, the Malta Elementary School hosted the students from Dodson School and special individuals, as part of the sharing of culture and diversity, which was a goal of the teachers this year.

Organized through Wendy Hopkins, teacher at Dodson, a bus load of youth dancers and drummers shared with the audience various dances. The dances introduced were the Men's Traditional Dance, done when returning from hunting or battle. They wore feather bustles, symbolic of a relationship with nature and for making connection to the Great Spirit; slower songs indicate the asking of protection.

They displayed the men's grass dance, long ago they had tuffs of grass to flatten the grass where the tipi lodges were erected where a powwow would take place.

The women's jingle dance was shared. Wearing two bustles, head roach with two rocker feathers, and an arm band, the men's fancy dance was lively and colorful; the dance is for entertainment.

Young ladies spread their shawls as if a cocoon opening and emerging and captivated the on-lookers in their shimmery and glistening apparel.

Hopkins also had a slide display showing the men's chicken dance, which is used in making season and ceremonial dances.

A very colorful slide displayed showed a group of men dancing around a wounded warrior.

As each of the dances were explained, talented youth from Dodson did the dances for everyone, with the assistance of the drummers, and the jingles rang throughout the gym.

Hopkins then introduced the Wounded Warrior, Catcher Cuts The Rope, who is a graduate of Dodson High School. A former classmate of his, Janine Tuss (kindergarten teacher) was able to watch as he shared his story, visit and talents with the school; they were able to visit briefly...a bit of time has passed since they last met.

After the dances had been displayed, the audience was invited to join in a round dance, which was enjoyed! Some of the young students were unfamiliar with Dodson, and how close it is to Malta; many have never been able to share in a cultural experience as this, and needless to say...the drums, jingles and beat of the dances had ignited an energy level the students felt, built on and took home to share with their families.

Much appreciation, to the students of Dodson, staff, drummers, Mr. Cuts The Rope, and even the bus driver who stood at the sidelines, longing to share his talents. It was a great afternoon to be a kid at Malta Elementary!