FINAL
Yá’át’ééh PT II
There’s always a distinct smell, a distinct feeling that I get when I’m around Pow-wows. I’m not sure if it’s the grease-filled air being exerted out by food booths, or if it’s the beat of the drums and loud singing by the drum groups. Nonetheless, there’s always been a sort of aesthetic that I’ve grown fond over; a comfort that’s most likely the result of being around Pow-wows and Native American culture for so long. And because of that, it should come to no surprise that my family has ingrained my culture’s values into me, inspiring me to become a Gourd Dancer and continue my traditions. I suppose I’m rushing into this though, sometimes I forget that some don’t even know about their existence.
Growing up, my father raised me to both value and practice the beauty of traditional Gourd Dancing. To briefly explain, Gourd Dancing is an exclusive men’s traditional dance meant to honor those who one considers to be a warrior, or, and honorable person by today’s standards. These dancers are carefully selected and inducted by a Gourd Society, with hopes that they are able to represent the Native American community honorably. I am extremely honored and thankful for my family and friends who made and gave me my regalia, gourd rattle, and traditional eagle fan; all integral parts of the Gourd Dance. I profoundly value these teachings, and the generosity my family and friends have shown me. They guided me as I became a person who is selfless, determined, and firmly established in my culture. I don’t want their efforts to go to waste, and I feel that I should always be grateful for what I have. I’m proud of becoming a Gourd Dancer because it has reinforced and shown to me why my determination to strive in life is important.
To reiterate, the Gourd Dancing and Pow-wow communities’ traditions aren’t simply just for fun, or to act as a pastime. You see, people don’t become dancers or singers for the attention, or because of some random spur of the moment thing. Native Americans are committed to these communities because it is a part of their culture and a part of their identity as a Native American, myself included; and they want to make their rich beliefs and traditions an integral part of who they are. I’m especially proud, because for me, my Native American culture has built my fundamental morals, and ethics, driving me to strive for a higher education. But as invested as I am in my community, as I stand now, there isn’t much I can do to preserve my declining culture, other than try and pass it down myself.
Yá’át’ééh PT II
There’s always a distinct smell, a distinct feeling that I get when I’m around Pow-wows. I’m not sure if it’s the grease-filled air being exerted out by food booths, or if it’s the beat of the drums and loud singing by the drum groups. Nonetheless, there’s always been a sort of aesthetic that I’ve grown fond over; a comfort that’s most likely the result of being around Pow-wows and Native American culture for so long. And because of that, it should come to no surprise that my family has ingrained my culture’s values into me, inspiring me to become a Gourd Dancer and continue my traditions. I suppose I’m rushing into this though, sometimes I forget that some don’t even know about their existence.
Growing up, my father raised me to both value and practice the beauty of traditional Gourd Dancing. To briefly explain, Gourd Dancing is an exclusive men’s traditional dance meant to honor those who one considers to be a warrior, or, and honorable person by today’s standards. These dancers are carefully selected and inducted by a Gourd Society, with hopes that they are able to represent the Native American community honorably. I am extremely honored and thankful for my family and friends who made and gave me my regalia, gourd rattle, and traditional eagle fan; all integral parts of the Gourd Dance. I profoundly value these teachings, and the generosity my family and friends have shown me. They guided me as I became a person who is selfless, determined, and firmly established in my culture. I don’t want their efforts to go to waste, and I feel that I should always be grateful for what I have. I’m proud of becoming a Gourd Dancer because it has reinforced and shown to me why my determination to strive in life is important.
To reiterate, the Gourd Dancing and Pow-wow communities’ traditions aren’t simply just for fun, or to act as a pastime. You see, people don’t become dancers or singers for the attention, or because of some random spur of the moment thing. Native Americans are committed to these communities because it is a part of their culture and a part of their identity as a Native American, myself included; and they want to make their rich beliefs and traditions an integral part of who they are. I’m especially proud, because for me, my Native American culture has built my fundamental morals, and ethics, driving me to strive for a higher education. But as invested as I am in my community, as I stand now, there isn’t much I can do to preserve my declining culture, other than try and pass it down myself.
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