Phenomenal Cultural Opportunity

Panhandle Alliance for Education (PAFE) and local educators teamed up to create a wonderful cultural experience for students at Sandpoint High School and Farmin-Stidwell Elementary School AND the public. 

A member of the Kootenai Tribe and several Coeur d'Alene Tribal members, including dancers, drummers and Powwow sweat leaders will be in Sandpoint Monday, March 14 for appearances with students during the school day and with the public at 6 p.m. 

A portion of the schedule moves on into Tuesday with more classroom presentations at both Farmin-Stidwell and SHS.


Jyl Wheaton-Abraham, featured speaker and member of the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho, is known locally through family ties and through her work as an archeologist for the U.S. Forest Service.  

An eloquent speaker with a variety of compelling personal experiences and messages, she will be coming from her home in Oregon to address a variety of Native American cultural aspects and personal experiences.

The Rose Creek Drummers, all women from the Coeur d'Alene Tribe, have been drumming together for about 20 years.  They have also been singing together since childhood. 

Dancers include Jordan Nomee, Jonathan Nomee, North Star Lawrence Garvais, Dahylithi White and Emmitt White from the Coeur d'Alene Tribe.  Dancing ever since they could walk, they'll demonstrate fancy, jingle and traditional dance. 

LoVina Louie, is a member of the Coeur d'Alenes, Okonagan, Lakes and Nez Perce Tribes. She reigned as Miss Indian World 1991 and works as coordinator of the Coeur d'AleneTribe's Benewah Medical and Wellness Center.  She and Shedaezha Hodge, workout leader, will introduce Powwow Sweat workouts to students. 

The program was made possible by a grant funded through PAFE, specifically the Betty Ann Diehl Grant for Music and Arts Education. 

The grant proposal was drawn up through collaboration of SHS American literature teacher Barbara Tibbs, Farmin-Stidwell educators Laurie Tibbs and Lisa Greene and former Pend Oreille Arts Council executive director Debbie Love.  Laura Laumatia, environmental specialist for the Coeur d'Alene Tribe helped coordinate performers from the tribe. 

Monday evening's program, which is open to the public, will feature highlights from presentations during the school days as well as a question and answer session. 

It should be a great program, knowing the personnel, the incredible talent, historical aspects and impressive cultural dimensions involved.