Arlee heritage on display

By Karen Peterson — Leader Staff

ARLEE — What was once “just lunch” is now a full day of activities and, by all accounts, a bigger success, as Arlee students celebrated Native American Heritage Day last Friday with food, dancing, music and teachable moments.

Kassandra Brazill, the school’s guidance counselor, helped coordinate the event that turned out to be one of the district’s largest Heritage Days so far.

“This is the biggest one that we’ve had. It’s usually just lunch, but this year, we have the dancing and individual classroom activities like beading. This is good for the kids to participate in,” Brazill said.

Native Americans make up a large percentage of the district’s population, so having a day of heritage held a special meaning for many. Students wore regalia, some beautifully beaded, adorned with feathers and brightly colored, to share that heritage.

“When looking at their classmates, students can see that there is a cultural side, and being able to share that is great. It’s good to see that the students can still be active members of school and honor and remember their culture,” she said.

At lunchtime, students lined up to fill their trays with Indian tacos, before sitting down to watch their fellow students dance many traditional native dances, including the Fancy Dance by the girls, before the boys took their turn to demonstrate their skills.

Walden Tewawina was one parent who also participated, with his live drumming and singing.

“I have kids that go to first grade here, twins. And when I showed up because of them, I decided to bring my drum. I travel all over with my group, The Boys, to do songs. We are pretty well known in California, but I live in Arlee and my kids go to school here so I thought I’d help out,” Tewawina said. “This is great for the kids.”