Tribal connections
Students of DTS, left to right, John Togia, Ropat Ulutoa and Fuiava Faasaualuat, dance and sing for the tribal council, while simultaneously giving glory to their creator.
An appreciation and mixing of cultures was experienced last Wednesday at the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes’ Tribal Council meeting.
A group of missionaries with the Youth With A Mission organization came to the tribal complex to show their appreciation of the CSKT and the reservation.
“We want to give honor where honor is due,” said YWAM leader Sika Ulutoa, whose Samoan chief name is Misa Teleiai Ulutoa. “We want to honor you for who you are as a people . . . Come together as a family and create a bright future for our children.”
Students from YWAM’s Disciple Training School in Medicine Hat, Canada accompanied Ulutoa to share their appreciation for the native culture. The school’s students have been on a tour spanning the states of Washington, Nevada, Montana, California and Utah.
The YWAM organization spans across more than 100 nations. While DTS and YWAM have been on tour they have done plenty of good in the communities. While in Montana, they have brought their religious message to a job corp and the Zone Cafe with motivational stories and dance.
The multi-cultural group began their trip working with the Salvation Army in Vancouver for three weeks. Then cleaned the highways in Washington, and from there worked with a youth group in Utah. They were on the Flathead Reservation for two weeks.
Ivoga Siulala is a dancer with the school. She hopes to continue spreading the word of God after she graduates.
“I’ve seen a lot of people make life changes and repent,” Siulala said, adding that she would like to continue her missionary work in Canada as she is used to working there.
Lori Fetui was first introduced to the YWAM organization a few weeks ago when they performed at her church in Washington.
“They spread the word of Jesus through dancing and skits, and target youth,” Fetui said of her new found family. “The message is that God has made everyone unique and they can be themselves.”
The dances performed by YWAM members and DTS students come from Samoa, New Zealand, Hawaii, Fiji and Tahiti and allow for a variety of expressions, Ulutoa said.
Two Samoan chiefs, Lupematasila Vaeluaga Eli and Sala Aufai Ioane, with YWAM were also able to meet the tribal council Wednesday, presenting Samoan gifts which included an authentic war club kalavalu, leis, a speaking staff and a peaceful weapon called a fue. The tribal council in turn gave the Samoans penalton blankets and other traditional gifts.
Rob McDonald, communication director for the tribes, said the day was “unique and surprising.”
“It definitely rocked the building and caught some attention, McDonald said. Councilman Mike Kenmille added to the day’s impact with an honor song performed with the Chief Cliff Singers of Elmo.
The ceremony at the tribal complex began with Ulutoa honoring the tribes, and asking the two cultures to come together and be one family. After many blessings, gifts, dances and songs were exchanged everyone was treated to an authentic Samoan meal and left with a full smile and stomach. New friendships were formed.