LBCC students and staff gathered to celebrate this year’s Native American Heritage Month Kickoff hosted at the Trade Technology and Community Learning (TTC) Campus on Nov. 7 to shine light on the history, and culture of Native Americans.
Surrounded by beautiful colors, delicious food, and talented performers, this year’s kick off truly encapsulated a vibrant energy.
There were multiple booths set up such as the United American Indian Involvement (UAII), Sacred Path, the Native American Indigenous Collaborative (NAIC), and more, all providing information on Native American culture, different tribes, and other fun events such as Pow-wow dancing for anyone who was interested.
Once the event started, it didn’t take long for a lengthy line to start forming for the complimentary Navajo Fry bread, more commonly known as “Indian tacos,” which were definitely a fan favorite as multiple people lined up for seconds.
As people sat down to enjoy their food, the meal was accompanied by the beautiful traditional performances of Native American Dancers.
Native American culture is full of traditional practices and healing rituals, hoop dancer Eric Hernandez danced to the beautiful flute sounds titled “Circle of Life” by his friend Tony Duncan.
Hernandez was formerly a lead man in ‘Totem’ by Cirque Du Soleil, a live experience including circus acts and other forms of live entertainment.
His hoop dancing wowed the crowd as he made them look like forms of different animals and plants as he danced within them.
“The person sitting next to you may see something completely different. We all have our own imaginations, our own life experiences. You may see your own life story in this,” Hernandez said.
Fancy feather dancing, along with Hoop dancing are different types of traditional Native American performances usually seen at Native American ceremonies known as Pow-wows.
Along with Eric was Fancy Feather dancer Michael Tiger who is newer to the Pow-wow scene and had barely started dancing one year prior.
Michael Tigers dancing his traditional Native dance. The Native American Kick-Off event took place at Trades, Technology, and Community Learning Campus (TCC) on Nov. 7, 2024. (Darla Perez)
“It’s always a little nerve wracking because I try to be a perfectionist, make sure I get all the stomps down. But it’s always exciting, I love performing,” Tiger said.
Each entertainer had different explanations as to why their dance or performance was important in Native American Culture .
Cheyennena Bedonie performed a dance known as “Southern Cloth Traditional,” but added a twist of her own style into it, dressed in a vibrant red dress with turquoise accessories.
“I dance a little differently than the normal people you’d see at a Pow-wow because I incorporate my mom and dads tribal elements into the dance,” Bedonie said.
LBCC will continue to run other events in celebration of Native American Heritage month throughout the month of November with a Sip n’ Paint on Nov. 21 available to all.