FLAGSTAFF — Traditional dances from multiple tribes and a meal of posole stew with fry bread brought Native American culture to life on Friday, Nov. 7 at the Boys & Girls Club of Flagstaff’s fourth annual Culture Night.
The Native Services department hosted the event to celebrate Native American Heritage Month, drawing performers from as far as the White Mountain Apache Tribe and showcasing the Indigenous cultures represented in the club’s membership.
“It’s an event to raise awareness and celebrate Native American Heritage Month, so we have dancers here to showcase the different tribes that are a part of the Boys and Girls Club, like Gila River, Hopi, Navajo and some club members that are dancing here tonight,” said Vensie “Laenae” Batala, a program coordinator for the Boys & Girls Club.
Boisiu Dewangyumptewa, the Native Services director, served as emcee for the evening program, which ran from 5 to 8 p.m.
After dinner, the White Mountain Apache Tribe Boys & Girls Club performed for attendees including a rainbow dance solo.
The Hopi Dance Group, based in Flagstaff, followed with the rain dance, known as Yoy’hoyam in the Hopi language.
Miss Hopi Royalty LaDonna Jacket “Sikyahonmana” served guests during dinner and later led an interactive language activity.
The program also featured performances by the Tangallo Mni Khiyela (Hummingbirds near the Water) Dance Group and Danza Mexico Cuauhtémoc, showcasing Aztec dance traditions.
Batala and fellow program coordinator Emerson Peacock helped organize the event, which included bingo breaks between performances.
The Boys & Girls Club of Flagstaff thanked board members, Mr. and Mrs. Karlie, Starbucks and all of the sponsors for supporting the event.