By Noelle Lau
A storytelling night highlighting traditional American Indian tribal life will kick off Native American Month Thursday, Nov. 1 at 7 p.m. in the Wilkinson Student Center Garden Court.
The event is sponsored by BYUSA club, The Tribe of Many Feathers, and will showcase Chief Red Hawk, chief for the Cherokees of the Bird clan of the Utah, Arizona and Nevada areas.
Chief Red Hawk, who is originally from Colonial Williamsburg, Va., said he is excited to share historical and cultural knowledge of the American Indian people.
The hour-long program will be an overview of American Indian culture, highlighting the historical nature of a variety of areas, including traditional music, song and dance, Chief Red Hawk said.
The stories will come from a variety of tribes, he said.
Much of the history of the American Indian people revolves around storytelling, Chief Red Hawk said.
Stories told in American Indian villages were not meant for children. He also said some of the stories shared might not be easily understood by children in the audience.
Chief Red Hawk said he is known as a master storyteller and will perform what he calls a one-man show in full tribal regalia.
Local chiefs from the Salt Lake area, including Principle Chief Ridges, Spiritual Leader Chief Williams and special guest Blackhawk, a three-time world champion in full contact karate, are expected to attend, he said.
“All the honored guests will be presented with an eagle feather, representing that God is with you,” Chief Red Hawk said.
“We are excited to be sponsoring this storytelling night because we think it is a great way for people within and beyond the Native American community to learn more about the culture,” said Tribe of Many Feathers club president, Tacy Atsitty, 19, a sophomore from Kirtland, N.M., majoring in English.
The mission of the club is to strengthen and preserve the rich cultures of the American Indian people by teaching members of the club as well as the community, Atsitty said.
The club also acts as a support group to American Indian students by providing an opportunity to identify and interact with one another while extending social and spiritual support, she said.
Members of the club reach out to the community by sharing their talent at local schools and community events, Atsitty said.
The Tribe of Many Feathers is open to all students, and not just those of American Indian ancestry, she said.
In conjunction with the rest of Native American Month, the club is sponsoring a speech by reigning Miss Indian World, BYU alumna Kealoha May Cody Alo and an American Indian cultural night, featuring traditional food, dress, dances, songs and games, Attsity said.
“I think it is a good thing because it gives the community the chance to learn about our culture, and it gives us a chance to share what we know and understand each other better,” said Erin Goedel, 21, a senior from Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., majoring in elementary education.
