Sponsored by the Southern California American Indian Resource Center, Inc., (SCAIR) & San Diego Indian Center.
SOARING EAGLES
SUMMER CLASSES BLOG, July 16—August 20, 2008
See SOARING EAGLES WEB SITE for current information, including current class and event schedules, contact information, FAQ, registration and eagles art posters DOWNLOAD.
Also see ROY COOK's FALL CLASSES blog.
The Soaring Eagles Dancers performed live at Viejas Indian casino, 2/18/2009.
SOARING EAGLES at VIEJAS POWWOW — Young California Indian students perform live on the Viejas Indian Reservation.
by Roy Cook, Opata-Oodham, Mazopiye Wishasha: Writer, Singer, Speaker
Wednesday, August 20:
Soaring Eagles Dance Class Flying High
San Diego Native American Students Complete Fun Cultural Education Dancing Series.
Tonight, 8/20/08, Carla Tourville was ready to sew and answer questions regarding the design and detailed instruction for successful regalia construction. Last Saturday many of the remaining parents met with Vickie Gambala at the fabric store and selected material for the dancers regalia.
Classes open with a ceremonial drum song and pow-wow style Round Dancing.
Many young Native American children, grades K-12, attend the classes to learn about their Native American cultural dance protocol to actively participate in California Indian traditional gatherings and powwows like the upcoming Barona Traditional Gathering on August 14-17, 2008, and the completed 2008 Sycuan Traditional Gathering.
Debbie Razo brought in some great tasting nachos and beans with all the trimmings. Plenty of punch and pastries, One of the children’s Mother brought in a birthday cake for all to enjoy and sing Happy Birthday loudly! Additionally there was real good coffee made by Debbie’s dad, Paul Razo.
Happy young Indian children pose for professional pictures holding their free posters.
Ms Vickie Gambala, San Diego Unified School District Title VII Indian Education, had posters of past events and of the upcoming Jump Start school supplies night, September 3, 2008, at the same location of the Soaring Eagles Dance Class.
She also had confirmed news that the Soaring Eagles Dance Class has been refunded from September 10, to November 19, 2008 by the Southern California American Indian Resource Center, Inc. (SCAIR) and the San Diego Indian Center.
Tonight Indian music was distributed to selected families. The San Diego Inter-Tribal Singers produced 16 CD copies of songs appropriate to the specific interests of the students of the Soaring Eagle classes.
Native American drum group, The San Diego Inter-Tribal Singers.
The San Diego Inter-Tribal Singers also provided our dance instructors with DVD copies of popular dance styles and explanations for study at home. Until then we will look for you all on Wednesday night 6pm from September 10, to November 19, 2008 at the Soaring Eagles Dance Class, Normal Heights Community Center, 4649 Hawley Blvd. San Diego, CA.
Finally, this was our last evening of the summer and the young eagles are taking wing. Soon they will be soaring high and far. We all take pride in their accomplishments. After all they are our future as Indian culture that defines us as Indian people.
Powwow dance students begin dancing.
The young pow-wow girls seem to really enjoy the Native American cultural dancing experiences during the classes.
Tuesday, August 12:
BLOG BUMPS
Ms Vickie Gambala, San Diego Unified School District Title VII Indian Education, announced the great news that the Soaring Eagles Dance Class has been refunded by the Southern California American Indian Resource Center, Inc. (SCAIR) and the San Diego Indian Center. The next phase of the Soaring Eagle Dance classes will be from September 10, to November 19, 2008 at the same place, same day, and same time.
Young fancy shawl dancers.
Tonight, August 12, 2008, the attendance was a little less and it could be attributed to the change in dates sometimes we get into routine and any change is always difficult to adjust to. However, to be honest, the dancers showed great enthusiasm and enjoyment throughout the evening.
The San Diego Inter-Tribal Singers: Richard Decrane, Ben Nance and Roy Cook are one of the many community volunteers that come together when called upon to help out at American Indian events in San Diego. Last week The San Diego Inter-Tribal Singers provided our dance instructors with DVD copies of dance styles and explanations for study at home. This week, the San Diego Inter-Tribal Singers produced 16 CD copies of songs appropriate to the specific interests of the students and offered them to the instructors of the Soaring Eagles classes.
It is a good feeling to see our Indian community step up and volunteer week after week to help out for our Indian children.
The classes include a pot luck buffet and community family-style socializing.
Debbie Razo brought in some great tasting sandwiches with all the trimmings. Plenty of punch and pastries, El Bisarra completed his course of study for a Masters degree and celebrated by bringing in a store bought cake and Joyce Van Dyke Parker frosted up a fine cake too.
Additionally there was real good coffee made by Debbie’s dad, Paul Razo.
Last Saturday many of the interested parents met with Vickie Gambala at the fabric store and selected material for the dancers regalia. Tonight many of the same and other parents were intently participating in the design and detailed instruction for successful regalia construction.
So, my blogging buddies, don’t let those bumps in the highway get you low, scoot over to the Soaring Eagle Dance Class next Wednesday, August 20, 2008 for the last class in phase 1. It should be a good one!
The experienced young female pow-wow dancing instructor (in red) took her students outside for some fun to enjoy the cooler summer temperature and daylight.
Wednesday, August 6:
BLOGGING BUDDIES UPDATE
There are many more new visitors and families joining this fun American Indian summer activity. I know you and your younger relatives are looking forward to attending next TUESDAY, - only next week. The Soaring Eagles Dance Class is a free class.
See you at the Normal Heights Community Center, 4649 Hawley Blvd. San Diego CA. They are coordinated by San Diego City School Indian Education Program (858) 627-7362 and the Indian Human Resource Center (619) 281-5964.
Our good friend Randy Edmonds and his wife Bonnie dropped in again. Martha and Stan Rodriguez also dropped in again with two young female dancers.
Debbie Razo made some great tasting Chili beans, saltine crackers and fried bread was there too. Additionally there were soft drinks and real good coffee (store cookies too) made by her dad, Paul Razo.
The San Diego Inter-Tribal Singers: Richard Decrane, Terry Hinsly, Tyler Lane, Ben Nance and Roy Cook are one of the many community volunteers that come together when called upon to help out at American Indian events in San Diego.
Some of the parents talk with SCAIR staff talk about tips for making custom regalia for their children.
It is a good feeling to see our Indian community step up and volunteer week after week to help out for our Indian children.
We continue to enjoy the excitement and interest in American Indian culture in the Adams Avenue Business Association Community Center, 4649 Hawley Blvd. San Diego CA. Southern California American Indian Resource Center, Inc. (SCAIR) sponsors this class in collaboration with: the San Diego Unified School District Title VII, the Indian Human Resource Center and the San Diego Indian Center.
Don’t let the Dog Days get you down, wag your tail over to the Soaring Eagle Dance Class.
Wednesday, July 30:
THIRD TIME A CHARMING TIME
The SCAIR Soaring Eagles Dance Class is high stepping and toe tapping. The Tribal songs have the spectators wiggling in their seats and the children moving in weightless joy. There are many new visitors and families joining this fun American Indian summer activity. Vickie Gambala is the coordinator of the program.
Our good friend Randy Edmonds spoke to the group of what his forty plus years in the Pow Wow circle means to him. He related his experiences with the BIA Relocation program in Los Angles and later in San Diego. He emphasized the value and need for aspects of Tribal culture in the urban village. The Pow Wow is one way to find those important values and identity as Indian people, he told the group. Randy is retired but he is still active in the Pow Wow circle. He is also serving as the senior advisor for SCAIR.
Experienced pow-wow instructors lead the Indian students through some warm-up and stretching exercises before beginning the cultural dances.
The students practice a walk-around where participants walk a line and greet other participants in a common traditional California Indian style.
Many families came from Tribal reservations and Indian communities. Debbie Razo made some great tasting spaghetti and meat sauce. There was tossed salad and dressing and garlic bread to round out the evening dinner. Soft drinks and real good coffee made by Paul Razo, Debbie’s dad, added to the fine cuisine. It give an old timer like me a good feeling to see our Indian community step up and volunteer week after week to pass along our traditions to our Indian children.
The San Diego Inter-Tribal Singers: Richard Decrane, Terry Hinsly, Ben Nance and Roy Cook are very happy to be invited to sing for the Indian Children. This group is also one of the many community volunteers that come together when called upon to help out at American Indian events in San Diego.
Martha and Stan Rodriguez also dropped in to visit old friends and socialize. Both had some trying times recently but they are doing better and are looking forward to the Traditional gathering at Santa Ysabel on August 2, 2008. It is open to the public and everyone is invited to attend.
The dance instructors called for songs to get the boys and girls up and moving. Important announcements concerning regalia choices and material were brought to the parents’ attention. This was one point also mentioned by Randy. “ The family gets together and dresses the dancer, then the dancer is brought into the Pow Wow circle and introduced very often with a give away in respect of the recognition and honor to the family.”
The Southern California American Indian Resource Center, Inc. (SCAIR) and San Diego Indian Center are the funding sponsors for the Vickie Gambala has provided the leadership with the coordination of the project.
SCAIR and the San Diego Indian Center are collaborating with San Diego Inter-Tribal Singers, Southern California Tribal Chairmen’s Association Tribal TANF, San Diego Unified School District Title VII Indian Education Project and the Indian Human Resource Center and the San Diego Indian Center to provide the Soaring Eagles Dance Classes.
Soaring Eagles Dance Classes
Every Wednesday 6 pm - 8:30 pm
Adams Avenue Business Association Community Center
4649 Hawley Blvd San Diego CA 92116
The Soaring Eagles Dance Classes are FREE!!!
Contact Phones: Vickie Gambala: (858) 627-7362 at the San Diego Unified School District Title II Indian Education Program.
Indian Human Resource Center (619) 281-5964.
SCAIR (619) 445-9236
San Diego Indian Center (760) 796-4154
Wednesday, July 16:
LIGHTENING STRIKES TWICE!
The Indian Education Soaring Eagles Dance Class is plugged in! You can feel the excitement in the Adams Avenue Business Association Community Center, 4649 Hawley Blvd. San Diego CA. This class is sponsored by Southern California American Indian Resource Center, Inc. (SCAIR) in collaboration with: the San Diego Unified School District Title VII, the Indian Human Resource Center and the San Diego Indian Center is electric. The American Indian parents, children, instructors, visitors, Inter-Tribal Singers and food were there at 6 pm or early this Wednesday, July 23, 2008.
Dance instructors are experienced Championship Pow wow dancers: Michael Cadotte, Jeanette Van Dyke, Edward “Chuck” Cadotte, Eileen George and Tiffany are all in street clothes, eager and encouraging for this nights adventure into American Indian dance and music. Forty-five or more bright little faces are all are encouraged to dance and be part of the Soaring Eagles Dance Class traditional circle of life.
The San Diego Inter-Tribal Singers: Richard Decrane, Terry Hinsly, Tyler, Ben Nance and Roy Cook are honored to be invited to sing for our Indian Children and are pleased to have been doing so for the last 25 years. This group is just one of the many volunteers that come together when called upon to help out. Our Indian children are our brightest future.
Grass dance, shawl dance, round dance, crow hop, more shawl dance, women traditional, more round dance and fun specialty songs are sung for the entertainment and instruction of the Soaring Eagles Dance Class dancers. Some are shy and reluctant but by the ending of the song, many parents and children are dancing! The true measure of success for the parent committee, instructors and community volunteers is participation in the dance class instruction.
The Soaring Eagles Dance Class next week is at the same location: Adams Avenue Business Association Community Center, 4649 Hawley Blvd. San Diego CA. Also, in addition to the American Indian Dance and regalia instruction there is a tutoring and summer reading program. Books are provided by the program to be checked out and reviews or stories to be submitted during the summer. Prizes will be awarded for reading accomplishments at the end of the summer.
Maybe we will see you and your younger relatives at these Soaring Eagles Dance Class free classes: Adams Avenue Business Association Community Center, 4649 Hawley Blvd. San Diego CA. They are coordinated by San Diego City School Indian Education Program (858) 627-7362 and the Indian Human Resource Center (619) 281-5964. Thank you, Aho, Mehan.
Wednesday, July 16:
Terrific Turnout for Soaring Eagles Dance Class
The Indian Education Soaring Eagles Dance Class sponsored by Southern California American Indian Resource Center, Inc. (SCAIR) in collaboration with the San Diego Unified School District Title VII and Indian Human Resource Center are off on the right foot. The American Indian parents, children, instructors, visitors, Inter-Tribal Singers and food were all on the 6 pm clock-time or early this past Wednesday, July 16, 2008.
The Indian Education parent committee directs the planning for this summer activity. They requested the American Indian Dance instruction activity for the Indian children. The Soaring Eagles Dance Class advance publicity has generated wider interest and has drawn in other parents and their children that previously were not attending the Indian Education programs. All the hallmarks of success, participation and enjoyment are evident throughout the evening.
Experienced Championship Pow wow dancers: Michael Cadotte, Jeanette Van Dyke and Eileen George and her daughter, Billie are all in street clothes, eager and encouraging for this first exposure to American Indian dance and music. Forty or more bright little faces are turned toward the instructors. Some are shy, some are eager, some want and do run back to mama but all are encouraged to dance and be part of the Soaring Eagles Dance Class traditional circle of life.
The San Diego Inter-tribal singers are able to greet past singers: Terry Hinsley, Ben Nance, Richard Decrane, Roy Cook and Tyler. “…We welcome any new faces to the drum...” *Terry Hinsley told the group.* Appropriate songs are sung to the benefit of the dancers and the requests of the dance instructors. Ben Nance said “…It is a very nice experience to be at the drum again for the benefit of *our* American Indian children.”
Group of young Native American California Indian girls pictured wearing traditional shawls and attending tribal educational cultural dance programs in San Diego County.
Grass dance, shawl dance, round dance, crow hop, more shawl dance, women traditional, more round dance and fun specialty songs are sung for the entertainment and instruction of the Soaring Eagles Dance Class dancers. Some are shy and reluctant but by the ending of the song, many are dancing! Wow, participation, that is the true measure of success. Everyone knows it is not easy but it is worth doing well and the satisfaction is in the achievement.
Soaring Eagles Dance Class is at the same location and in addition to the American Indian Dance and regalia instruction there is a tutoring and summer reading program. Books are provided by the program to be checked out and reviews or stories to be submitted during the summer.
Maybe we will see you and your younger relatives at these Soaring Eagles Dance Class free classes: *Normal Heights *Community Center, 4649 Hawley Blvd. San Diego CA. They are coordinated by San Diego City School Indian Education Program (858) 627-7362 & Indian Human Resource Center (619) 281-5964.
The cultural classes are definitely a fun social event for the young Indian students and a chance for the young girls and boys to socialize and make new friends at the supervised family event.
Sponsored by:
Southern California Indian Resource Center, Inc. SCAIR
Coordinated by:
San Diego City Schools Indian Education Program, and
Indian Human Resource Center
Info: (619) 281-5964, (858) 627-7362
Project Coordinator:
Vickie Gambala
Parents work on and hold their childrens' pow-wow regalia out for review during the classes.
Parents bring in their sewing machines and fabricate their Native designs during class.
Not all the young students danced, some played games.
A young California Indian girl looks very proud and excited trying on her new pink beaded vest with tribal butterfly and silver stars motif tribal powwow regalia.
Young Indian boys practiced inside.
There is plenty of Native Pride and happiness at the event as mothers and grandmothers watch their children learn how to perform the cultural dances.
Young Native American boy in a ponytail practiced his new powwow dance steps.
The girls pictured outside having fun as dusk set in.
Melissa Aleman (right) helps her mother and grandmother out at the head registration table and organizes the cultural curriculum.
CLICK on group photo for large 10-inch high-resolution print JPEG picture. Some of the young traditional dance students and instructors posed for a group pow-wow photo.
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POW-WOW REGALIA
See Roy Cook's CALIE Pow-wow History and Information article for more info and professional photographis portfolios and movies about Native American powwows in Southern California, San Diego County.
See SOARING EAGLES WEB SITE for current information, including new class schedule, registration and art poster DOWNLOAD.
Also see ROY COOK's ongoing FALL CLASSES blog.
Back to Roy Cook's Articles page.
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