The American Indian Student Leadership Club and the Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs hosted several events in November to celebrate Native American Heritage Month.
On Nov. 16, traditional native dance and food were on display at the Native American Indian Exhibition. One of the dances performed is known as the chicken dance, which imitates the mating dance of prairie chickens and features dancers in traditional dress.
Legend says a young man went on a hunting trip and killed prairie chicken to feed his family. Later that night, the chicken visited him in a dream and made a bargain. He would teach the man a dance, which the man would vow to teach others. If the man failed to do so, the chicken would return and kill him — an end similar to the bird’s own fate.
Click on a thumbnail to view photos from the Native American Indian Exhibition.
Tyler Eriacho of the Navajo Nation holds the Utah state flag during the opening ceremony of the Native American Indian Exhibition on Nov. 16. During the ceremony, the grounds where blessed by a spiritual adviser, and Native veterans in attendance were honored and the exhibition royalty were introduced. (Will Samsky)
Performers line up prior to the dance portion of the Native American Indian Exhibition on Nov. 16. The performers represented many different age groups and tribes. (Will Samsky)
Performers line up before the start of dance portion of the Native American Indian Exhibition on Nov. 16. The performers represented many different age groups and tribes. (Will Samsky)
Dancers of all ages line up to perform at the Native American Indian Exhibition on Nov. 16. Participants wore many different types of dress unique to the dance they performed. (Will Samsky)
A young performer dances along to the beat from the drum circle during the Native American Indian Exhibition on Nov. 16. The drums filled the auditorium with sound keeping the dancers in rhythm. (Will Samsky)
Israel Young Bull, 9, performs a Hoop Dance at the Native American Indian Exhibition on Nov. 16. Israel, who has been dancing his whole life, traces his ancestry back to the Sioux, Cheyenne, Arapaho, and Assiniboine tribes. (Will Samsky)
A young dancer participates in the drum circle during the Native American Indian Exhibition on Nov. 16. Music for the event was provided by the Sun Water Singers and the Buffalo Juniors. (Will Samsky)
Tyler Eriacho of the Navajo Tribe performs the chicken dance at the Native American Indian Exhibition on Nov. 16. Legend says that a Blackfoot man killed a Prairie Chicken while out hunting. He was later visited by this chicken in a dream and was taught this dance. (Will Samsky)
Rulane Reymus of the Northern Paiute and Navajo tribes performs the chicken dance at the Native American Indian Exhibition on Nov. 16. The dance is inspired by the prairie chickens spring time mating dance. (Will Samsky)
Salt Lake Community College freshman Tayler Gutierrez poses in her traditional dress for the Jingle dance at the Native American Indian Exhibition on Nov. 16. Her dress is made form countless tobacco can lids rolled into cones which jingle as she dances. (Will Samsky)
SLCC freshman Taylor Gutierrez shows off her traditional Native American dress. Her dress is made for the Jingle dance and is made of countless tobacco can lids rolled into cones that jingle as she dances. (Will Samsky)
SLCC freshman Taylor Gutierrez shows off her traditional Native American dress. Her dress is made for the jingle dance and is made of countless tobacco can lids rolled into cones that jingle as she dances. (Will Samsky)
SLCC Freshman Tayler Gutierrez poses in her traditional dress for the jingle dance. Her dress is made form countless tobacco can lids rolled into cones which jingle as she dances. (Will Samsky)
Tyler Eriacho of the Navajo Tribe dances the chicken dance. Legend says that a Blackfoot man killed a prairie chicken while out hunting. He was later visited by this chicken in a dream and was taught this dance. (Will Samsky)
