Native Cultural Event Highlights

Twas a day of food for thought, hands-on cultural connections, deeply emotional interludes, inspiring talent, colorful action,  new personal connections and perspectives, a sense of wonderment and a wealth of information. 

Yesterday's first day of the Native American Cultural Event at Sandpoint High School exceeded all expectations.   

I do think that the all of the above outcomes fully satisfied a

long-held dream come true, which my sisters have envisioned for years because of their deep respect for the Native people in this area.

Members of the Coeur d'Alene Tribe and a member of the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho outdid themselves in providing a day filled with visual and personal information and talent for elementary and high school students. 

Panhandle Alliance for Education made it all possible financially, while organizers and participants gave their all for the benefit of creating a new dimension of cultural understanding for the students. 

As for the students, they did their part, too, by engaging in the opportunities to discuss, to observe and to participate in several aspects of the native culture. 

Excitement and passion as audience members reacted throughout the school day's activities and during last night's program at SHS auditorium was palpable, to say the least. 

Creating understanding among cultures is generally a slow process----one step at a time.  I would say yesterday's highly inspiration program provided a giant step.

Congratulations to my sisters, Barbara and Laurie, my niece Laura and to all the presenters/performers.  You were awesome! 

And, a very special thanks to all who came to watch and listen with open minds and went away with a new, enthusiastic appreciation of Native culture and history. 

The event continues today with Jyl Wheaton-Abraham speaking to individual classes at SHS and Farmin-Stidwell Elementary schools. 

Keynote speaker Jyl Wheaton-Abraham of the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho

Principal Tom Albertson addresses students before the assembly. 

Rose Creek drummers:  a fun bunch of ladies. 

Coordinator Barbara Tibbs

A very pleased coordinator Laurie Tibbs

Laura Laumatia, environmental specialist for the Coeur d'Alene Tribe

Powwow sweat leader LoVina Louie

Dancers' coordinator Bobbi White

Students learn, listen and participate in a circle with keynote speaker Jyl Wheaton-Abraham. 

Staff and students enjoy a Native social dance circle. 

Little Miss Unity stole the show a time or two last night. You'll be hearing her name in future jingle dance circles. 

A sturgeon canoe replica. 

The young Coeur d'Alene Tribal member never wore standard shoes until she started elementary school.  This is her collection.