Native American Cultural Event Tonight

Sandpoint High School and Farmin-Stidwell Elementary students, as well as the public have a wonderful opportunity in store today and tomorrow, thanks to a Native American Cultural event, planned by local educators and funded by Panhandle Alliance for Education (PAFE).

While most of the activities are directed toward elementary and high school students/staff, this evening at 6 p.m. the public can attend a free two-hour program at Sandpoint High School auditorium.

Keynote Speaker Jyl Wheaton-Abraham, a member of the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho, has come from her home in Oregon to share thoughts about "local archaeology, Kootenai history, and contemporary Native awesomeness!" She will also speak to several classes at the two schools. 

In addition, the Rose Creek Drummers, all women who have performed together for 20 years,  and several Coeur d'Alene tribal youth dancers will display their incredible talents during the day for students and at the evening program.

Physical education students at the high school will also get an introduction to "powwow sweat" under guidance from LoVina Louie and Shedaezha Hodge.

Of local interest, Jyl, who has worked for the Sandpoint Ranger District as an archeologist,  is married to Sandpoint High graduate Toby Feuling (mom Denise Huguenin). 

In addition, I must share how excited my sisters, Barbara and Laurie, and other family members have been since the awarding of this generous PAFE grant, specifically known as the Betty Ann Diehl Grant for Arts and Education. 

Not only were they thrilled at winning the grant, but they have also enjoyed the planning over the past year, which has included a visit to the Coeur 'd Alene Tribal gathering last summer and a spell-binding hour-long phone conversation with Jyl.

The vision for this program evolves from a family passion dating back to evenings years ago around the dinner table listening to our dad Harold Tibbs tell of his experiences while growing up in Bonners Ferry and riding horses for Simon Francis, the Kootenai Tribal interpreter. 

As a family, we have attend powwows every year where we take gazillions of photos, and we have appreciated the opportunity of getting to know Coeur d'Alene Tribal members, thanks to our niece Laura's involvement with the tribe as an environmental specialist.  

Plus, I can't forget that the perennial "triplets- plus-one" gang of four Coeur d'Alene Charter School eighth graders" in our family includes a Tribal member. 

The next two days should be inspiring and educational as well as busy. So, it's time to head down to the school to help out and take a few more photos. 

If you're local and reading this, thanks for passing the word about tonight's program.  

Happy Monday. 

This young lady and the young man below will be among the dancers from the Coeur d'Alene Tribe performing for students today at Sandpoint High and for the public tonight at 6 p.m. in the SHS auditorium.  Admission is free.