On the Road: SCAIR Soaring Eagles « SOARING EAGLE DANCERS

On the Road: SCAIR Soaring Eagles

By Roy Cook

clip_image001 Summer time is prime, sweet time for Tribal dances, songs and the popular Pow wow. The evening breeze brings a welcome relief to the hot summer days of July. This singer over heard a young dancer say, last Wednesday, “If you are not sweating you’re not dancing!” We did have a fine time, singing and dancing, this past Soaring Eagle Wednesday practice, July 29, 2009. clip_image002

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The 2010 Census Southern California Director and two staff persons made a presentation and fielded questions from the Soaring Eagle assembled parents and dancers.

The ongoing SCAIR Summer reading program, this week, focused on good eating habits. Through the eyes of the Eagle book, we learned traditional, healthy foods to snack on. Mr. Coyote was ever the trickster with his tricky treats but it was good to hear a story of our traditional four legged and winged relatives.

SCAIR, Southern California American Indian Resource, Soaring Eagle dance program in August 2009 is on Wednesday at 6:30 pm in the Normal Heights Community room. The SCAIR hosted and voluntary potluck meal continues at the beginning of the evening with a blessing by an elder or designated spiritual person.

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The SCAIR Soaring Eagles were on the Sycuan Reservation at the Little Indian Giver workshops this past week. Since 2005, Little Indian Giver began their mission of helping empower the youth of the Sycuan, Kumeyaay Nation, with various workshops. These workshops will allow them to enhance their individual skills with: etiquette, professional in-house seminars to learn trades (business, art, automotive, etc.) and an empowerment series based on business professionals such as Steadman Graham and Linda Bibalo

The Little Indian Giver goal is to help thousands of people across the globe, starting right in our Tribal community. As we continue to grow, we will begin to reach out to neighboring tribes throughout the United States, combating native issues that have plagued our communities-building a chain of strength and self-sufficiency. Working towards a worldwide campaign of empowering youth.

Soaring Eagle singer Ben Nance continues to fit belts and bell straps for the Soaring Eagle dancers. We, at the drum, are all encouraged by the excitement and enthusiasm of the parents and Soaring Eagle dancers. We constructed some regalia items for use at the dance practice: dance sticks, wing fans, flat fans and gourd rattles.

Everyday is always a fine time for prayers and especially at this time for those who are on the road for celebration or ceremony. Many families are planning to leave early on the trip to Peach springs Youth Pow wow. That South rim of the Grand Canyon is just too close to miss this time. The road is a risky business at the best of times. Too often there is too much to see, too far to travel and too good of a time to enjoy. We all get tired even when we are having fun.

Young singers and parents interested in their children learning the songs have also approached the Soaring Eagle Singers. We have been enjoying the interest of our youthful ‘fans’ at the drum. All are welcome around the drum. However, to have a seat at the drum will require one to sing or at least try to ‘catch’ the tune then the song and finally the words to be a singer at the drum.

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SCAIR dance instructor, Edward ‘Chuck’ Cadotte continues to refine and encourage each category of dance style: Women and men traditional, grass dance, jingle dress, shawl dance, Southern women, round dance and mentor each dancer to do their best.

All are welcome to enjoy and participate in these SCAIR hosted free Soaring Eagle American Indian Dance classes. There is still an open invitation for everyone to drop in. We will look to see you and your family next week.