Spring Spirit Is Strong at Community Night

This evening our Soaring Eagle workshop is sharing with the American Indian Clinic the community night presentations. To start the evening off Randy offered a prayer and blessing for the meal. The line formed quickly for spaghetti, an pasta dish, several salads and fruit. Thanks to all who brought a dish to share.

Our first speaker was Amrah from Peace and Dignity informing us all of the Spirit Run. Every 4 years runners start from Alaska and run down to Southern California where they are joined by runners from the tip of South America and then run across the country to raise awareness and promote peace for all people. There was also an information table with fliers and brochure. In the past these runners have been recognized at gatherings in the San Diego region -Kumeyaay country, and ceremonies held in their support.

Larry Edmonds followed with a review of the youth programs and activities offered by the SDAIH Clinic to our Native youth. At this time of year with school finishing up and families thinking and talking about the approaching summer it's good to have this information.

To start off our workshop session Randy shared with the dancers and their families some of the background as to pow wow protocol. This is important information on the traditional ways of pow wows and how we should conduct ourselves in and around the arena. With many new families joining in the workshop and looking forward to the coming pow wow season these traditional ways are always important. Chuck followed this with some history of pow wow dancing from the Northern plains areas. We thank both these individuals for sharing with us on these important topics. Aho.

With Community Night the room arrangement is a little different so the Singers set up on the edge of the circle. This has it's own benefits as the singers and drum are closer to the dancers. After several songs some of our young men asked if they could sit in with the singers. With some instruction and a few extra sticks they got their chance. Chuck and some of our mentors started off the dancing with instruction on the steps of the different dance styles. We all appreciate and say Thank you for this support of our young dancers, our future champions.

We can see repeatedly that our efforts are rewarded and often our young dancers will be 'looking up' to the older ones.

We finished out the evening with our traditional set of Round Dances. Smiles and good feelings all around from our time together as Tribal people and families at a community event. Thanks to all for joining in support of our children.

Parent and friends participation are very important to the social aspect of the program success. Remember to bring a potluck item or side dish for the Soaring Eagles dance workshop evening feast. It is our Traditional Indian way to practice hospitality and generosity when we invite all to attend an Indian gathering and share the meal with the whole community. San Diego Unified School District, SDUSD, Ballard Parent Center, 2375 Congress St. San Diego, CA 92110.

 For more information regarding the SOARING EAGLES please contact:

Vickie Gambala 619-266-2887 vickiegambala@gmail.com

Jennifer Garcia 619-540-4688 mariposa2172@yahoo.com