[Sahnish]

Howdy people;
I have been reading and thinking alot about lost culture and traditions. I just wanted to share some good news. July 12th was camping day for the Arikara Celebration. As a part of these activities they had a hand drum contest. I would guess there must have been about 20 three man teams. What I found amazing was that the oldest person on these teams was about 25. About 16 of those teams were 16 yrs and under and there were three teams that were 10 yrs and under. It makes me extremely proud to tell you that there was not a weak group in the bunch, the singing ability, knowledge of songs, volume etc was nothing short of amazing. I heard two songs I haven't heard since I was a teen ager and that was long time ago. These groups were from Canada and Okla with the majority being from back home. Listening to these boys made me proud to be an Indian and eternally grateful to the poeple that took the time and effort to teach these young fellows the "way." I feel good knowing "The people's" songs will be carried into the next century and beyond.

Thanks for listening.

[Smokin' Ace]

Thanks so much for posting that good news, Sahnish!! My husband and I sat and read it, and just smiled. We need to hear more stories like this. It is important to know that their efforts have been noticed.

Thank you again. :)

[Ikce Wicasa]

I agree with Smokin Ace on this one! Thanks for posting that man. Its so good to see that the teenage crowd is getting away from all that gang mess from the 90s and getting back to singing and dancing and basically being Indian. So many times, on this board especially, we argue over who's more Indian than who, who's a tribe and who's not, who has the right to do this or that, etc... and many times we loose sight of the big picture. Its good to see that those hand drum teams haven't lost sight :D Thanks again Sahnish. Your post made at least three people happy :)

[Wakalapi]

Sauk Creek (formerly Sauk Butte) is a young group from the Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe. Most of the members are teens or even younger. Their lead singer, 23 year old Toby DeCoteau, is in charge of the kitchen and leads the elders' meal program at the Tribe. His younger brothers are also singers and grass dancers. Thomas, easily recognized in his fiery red-orange-yellow ribboned regalia, sings with Sauk Creek. Vincent, whose silver-black regalia bears "L.A. Raiders" team emblems, sings with the Seattle area drum group Lonesome Creek.

One the other local drums, Golden Eagle, are passing down their finest traditions to their own next-generation drum group, the Golden Eaglets.

[Smokin' Ace]

Read this again, Sanish - made me smile again - it is a story to not be forgotten while these other conversations are going on - our traditions are continuing. Thanks again for posting.

[Big Chocolate Thunder]

A wonderful story. Makes me feel very proud.
Meegwetch.