ORLANDO, Fla. -- Valencia Community College West Campus celebrated Native American Heritage Month on Tuesday with four Native Americans of the Piscataway Indian Nation who performed for faculty and students traditional Indian dances that reflect the beauty of Piscataway culture and tradition.
Mark Tayac, the chief of the tribe, produced a musical momentum as he repeatedly beat his drum, while the others chanted and performed a ritual dance resembling movements of eagles. Chief Tayac and his group have been performing for almost 30 years in an effort to promote an awareness of the Native American way of life.
“We are here to share our songs, dances, and the beauty of our traditions,” said Chief Tayac, “the traditions that we have kept alive through 28 generations.”
The Piscataway are natives of Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey who eventually migrated into the Ohio Valley. Hunting and farming are the most significant characteristics of this indigenous group of the Chesapeake Bay.
"I think it is unique that a speaker from another culture diversifies us and let us know about his culture," said Wenceslao Burgos.
"I think it is unique that a speaker from another culture diversifies us and let us know about his culture," said Wenceslao Burgos.
The Piscataway, like many Native American tribes, communicate through ritual dances. Chief Tayac and his fellow tribesmen demonstrated several traditional dances including: The Dance of the Braves, The Sweetheart Dance, The Eagle Dance, and The Warrior Dance. Together, all of these ritual dances proclaimed the circle of life - birth, struggle, love, and death.
"The chantings were very unique, and the dances were very beautiful," said Sara Flatt, "It is good that they are here, and I can see it at my college.
In the country, the Piscataway Indian Nation represents 500 different native nations, and they are very distinct in their language, costumes, travel methods, economical and governmental systems.
"The chantings were very unique, and the dances were very beautiful," said Sara Flatt, "It is good that they are here, and I can see it at my college.
In the country, the Piscataway Indian Nation represents 500 different native nations, and they are very distinct in their language, costumes, travel methods, economical and governmental systems.
“I think it is always enriching for students to see different cultures,” said Karen J. Murray, “especially cultures that exist in our own country that most people are not aware of.”
This event represents a continuing effort of VCC to provide a rich and diverse education to all students.
No comments:
Post a Comment