Drummers & Dancers is back!

Drummers and dancers representing the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, including the Nixyáawii Community School Dance Group will perform a variety of social dances in the REACH Entry Hall on Saturday, November 17.

The first performance will begin at 11am and the second performance at 1pm.

One of the unique benefits of the Nixyáawii Community School, is the opportunity to share and promote Tribal Heritage, Culture & Tribal Languages with younger generations. Our Tribal languages are required as second language credits, and the Tribal Drum & Dance History class are offered as an elective.

Mr. Fred Hill Sr. teaches the Tribal Drum & Dance History class and shares his drum and song knowledge in addition to the role and importance of the Big Drum within the tribal community. Mr. Hill shares that, to sit at the Big Drum, is a privileged place to be at. In early times, only knowledgeable men had the privilege to be seated at the big drums to sing for Warriors and Honorable Veterans. Today, that same respect and responsibility is shared, as the young singers have learned to sing the proper Honor Songs.

Last Spring in June, several of Mr. Hill’s students, along with a grandson were initiated onto the big drum and now understand the responsibility of caring for the drum, sticks, and drum stand. It’s a Right of Passage they have earned and they will carry it into the Next Generation. We hope you enjoy the Songs & Dancers of the Nixyáawii Golden Eagle Wings.

Admission
Adults: $10
Students/Seniors/Military: $6
Children 5 and under: Free
REACH Members: Free