Native American Story Telling Night

Submitted by analysa.allison on

Last Thursday, students and families across Nebo School District gathered at Larsen Elementary to learn about Native American culture and history. This event included something for the whole family. For the adults and teens, featured guest speaker Julius Chavez captured the audience's attention with his knowledge and expertise about Native American origin stories and constellation stories. He performed several songs and explained the meaning behind those songs. For the children, there was warm fluffy frybread to enjoy, and they were able to see a demonstration of the origin of the cradleboard (a board to which an infant is strapped into). Overall the event provided entertainment, performances, yummy food, and good company.

Over 50 students from various Junior High and High School showed up to the event. Many students brought a close friend with them or their parents. A majority of the students who came to the event came from Maple Mountain High School.

Nebo Title VI Parent Committee and community members we able to make over 100 Indian Tacos for patrons of this event, and spent a lot of time outside of this event preparing the food, and organizing the event. As always, Brenda Beyal amazed those in attendance with her magical frybread making skills. All the proceeds from this event are going towards our scholarship fund. So far, the Nebo Title VI Program has given away 40 scholarships over the years.

Current and alumni Title VI students performed several different songs and stories for the event. Some songs included the "Navajo Puppy Song", "Who Is My Mother", and an original song written by Rosebud Quintana called, "Be Proud of Who You Are." Some dances included Navajo Basket and Navajo Sashbelt Dance. All of the students who participated and performed did a wonderful job.

A special thank you to all the Elementary and Secondary Teachers who announced this event in their classrooms and even allowed their students to get extra credit for attending. Also, thank you so much to the many community members who donated their time, and even donated food for the Indian Taco Sale. It was truly a group effort that made this event possible. 

Please take a look at the video below. Spanish Fork Channel 17 flimed this event, and highlighted some aspects of the night. 

Attributions
Video by: Spanish Fork Channel 17