A transformation takes place two Monday’s each month at Oriole Park School, as youngsters put on traditional First Nations costumes to take part in the community powwow held by the Red Deer Aboriginal Dance Troupe.
Kim Southcombe, events coordinator for the Red Deer Aboriginal Dance Troupe, has seen the change that takes place in the children.
“You put them in these outfits and there really is a magic that transpires,” she said. “You don’t see anything else, but that beautiful child, that beautiful spirit and those beautiful colours.”
Kim said she has seen the children gain confidence and pride in themselves. “Their chins keep getting higher and higher and higher,” she said. “I cannot believe how dedicated they are. They danced at least once a week last year in performances.”
The Red Deer Aboriginal Dance Troupe performs at community events around the City of Red Deer throughout the year and also at schools throughout Red Deer, increasing awareness about First Nations’ culture and traditions. The children learn by doing, with the little ones watching the older ones to learn the proper steps and movements.
Chelsea Southcombe, age 13, is one of the more experienced dancers, with nine years in the group. She enjoys sharing her knowledge with the children.
“I used to be really shy,” Chelsea said. But that shyness has long since left, with her dancing at events such as the torch run ceremonies in Red Deer, where she performed in front of 20,000 people.
The dance troupe is currently fundraising for a trip to Hamilton, Ont., to take part in the Canadian Aboriginal Festival from Nov. 26 to 28. They need around $20,000 more to cover the cost of flights, lodging and other expenses for the 16 dancers from the group who will go. They held a fundraiser at Heritage Lanes in Red Deer on Sunday that helped them raise $2,187.50 towards their goal.
The furthest jingle dress dancer Julia Giroux, age 10, has ever gone east is Saskatchewan so she looks forward to the new experiences that will come from the trip. “I don’t care if I win a title or anything. I just want to go,” said Giroux.
Dylan Murray, age 11, has been a fancy dancer with the group for two years. “I’m really excited to go to Canada’s largest Aboriginal festival and powwow,” he said.
He once learned dance moves by looking up video of powwows online, but now he’ll be able to learn from other dancers at the festival.
He enjoys the Monday night dance sessions at Oriole Park School, which can draw 50 to 150 people. “It makes me think about my culture. It makes me feel good to be part of my culture,” he said.
One of the anchors has been the kukum — grandmother in Cree — Bess Basmussen, the elder who is consulted with when there is a question of tradition.
The children perform jingle dress, traditional and fancy for girls and women, as well as boys’ and men’s fancy, men’s traditional, grass, chicken, hoop and even jigging, which is a Métis style.
Anyone who would like to donate money towards fundraising can contact Kim Southcombe at 403-340-0020 or call the Red Deer Native Friendship Centre, which is able to issue tax receipts.
sobrien@www.reddeeradvocate.com