I’m in Anchorage for NEA-Alaska’s Fall Event. This evening we were given the opportunity to attend the second night of Quyana Alaska - a concert of cultural songs and dances of native cultures from around Alaska. Some of the performances are from new groups performing new songs; others are more traditional. Groups include young children—even infants being carried—all the way to great-grandparents. One group included 90% of its village.
The enthusiasm of the audience is often palpable. Many of the groups invite audience members to join in some of their songs. Sometimes only a few go up; sometimes the stage and the area in front are overrun.
Many of these dancers are trying to reclaim cultural traditions that have dwindled or even been actively suppressed. Some dance groups have been created in an active attempt to curb the impact of alcohol and drugs in their society. Some of the speakers have spoken about the history of their tribe and the songs, including the active suppression of their cultural heritage during World War II due to both the Japanese invasion of the area and the response of the U.S.
One quote that the audience particularly enjoyed was, “This next dance is our war song. Long ago, we used to travel to places, and then we’d make war on them. Sometimes we lost, sometimes we won, but we still had fun.”
Quyana is an expression of thanks. I’m thankful I could experience tonight’s event.
The enthusiasm of the audience is often palpable. Many of the groups invite audience members to join in some of their songs. Sometimes only a few go up; sometimes the stage and the area in front are overrun.
Many of these dancers are trying to reclaim cultural traditions that have dwindled or even been actively suppressed. Some dance groups have been created in an active attempt to curb the impact of alcohol and drugs in their society. Some of the speakers have spoken about the history of their tribe and the songs, including the active suppression of their cultural heritage during World War II due to both the Japanese invasion of the area and the response of the U.S.
One quote that the audience particularly enjoyed was, “This next dance is our war song. Long ago, we used to travel to places, and then we’d make war on them. Sometimes we lost, sometimes we won, but we still had fun.”
Quyana is an expression of thanks. I’m thankful I could experience tonight’s event.
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