When people walk into my house and see the hand woven rugs, baskets, art, and more, they wonder how much Native American blood is in my ancestry. It’s not my blood, nor how I was raised, but since living in Utah amongst red rocks and the Navaho tribes, it IS special places and people carved in my heart. I have a deep and profound respect for the unique culture, beliefs, focus, heritage, artistry, MUSIC, and Ancient Teachings of the Native American people.
It is my honor and pleasure to share some of their music, instruments, dances, and stories with my Kindermusik families. From the Feathers unit of the Village (babies) program, to the 2nd year of Kindermusik for the Young Child (5-7 years), the culture and music of the Native Americans are offered in ways best suited for children at each age. I hope this introduction helps children of all ages begin to appreciate the gifts offered to ALL of us by the Native American people. It is only a beginning, because a full study would take a lifetime.
There are many and varied tribes of Native Americans. They are a colorful people full of stories and songs about each of their own tribes, each very different from the other. Because methods for writing were so long absent, they handed down their history and beliefs to their children around the campfire at night. All the tribes are different – BUT – they all treasured the earth as their mother, the sky as their father, and considered themselves to be living among the animals and plants as their brothers and sisters.
“We feel a deep and sacred love for Mother Earth and all her children.
We are reawakened to Ancient teachings and with a good heart and deep respect do we ask to
receive these Ancient Teachings that have been handed down from one generation to the next.
We call on our “Spirit Teachers” and our “Guides” to teach us in the dream time,
and to send us teachers into this time to guide us.
May the blessings of Creator touch your lives, and as you walk in the splendor and beauty of Mother Earth,
may your hearts open to the sacred fire of knowledge
and the memory of the Ancient Ones fill you with peace and healing.
Ho…” – Crystal Woman
Crystal Woman is a current Cherokee recording artist, blending ancient traditions into new music that touches the soul. From her album Sacred Fire, Ancient Teachings, I love to share the two step circle dance of “Sacred Fire, Ancient Teachings”, and add the fun bells, scarves, and feathers for “Fancy Dancer”. The circle is the beginning and the end, and the soul grows within it. I believe the students can feel that when they are dancing around and around. I know I do.
Crystal Woman’s information and recordings are available at http://cdbaby.com/cd/crystalwoman2.
I first met her at the Festival of the White Buffalo Pow Wow which is held annually at the Auburndale International Market World (Central Florida) in mid-January. She is not there every year, but the spirit of the Native Americans thrives at this Pow Wow in MANY good people. If you live elsewhere, look for a Pow Wow in your community, take your children to meet real people of this ancient heritage, listen and dance with the music, it is a wonderful experience. The following is a little video clip of a circle dance at a Pow Wow.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-aWiu5nmuI]
In the video, WATCH for the two step dances that are a part of life for all ages, and how each performs it differently. And, LISTEN for the drums and the chanters that are the core of the circle dances.
I just heard from the International Market World in Auburndale about the Spirit of the Buffalo Pow Wow.
“Our 2009 event is scheduled for Friday January 9 through Sunday January 11.
We are very excited about this years event because we will have new vendors
in addition to our educational programs.”
As I get more information, I will post it here.
I love to share wonderful videos and information on my blogs. The following are postings that may help bring alive the spirit of these people and their culture.
Native American Drum Maker shares drum, song & meaning