Pag« 6 July 29,1983
July 29,1983 Page 7
Culture camp teaches love, respect, sharing
Drum making sometimes takes two hands when you’re just learning. Marvin Meanus helps culture
camp student.
“ In the past Indian values were pushed to the
back. This ts the reverse. We’re teaching love,
respect and sharing, the Indian way.”
As assistant coordinator of the Culture Camp
Tommy Kalama is able to see very clearly the value
of Culture Camp. He sees the community coming
together to teach young people the values of their
culture.
Besides learning hand skills the children take part
in prayers, working togetherand spending time with
their elders, learning from them covert IndiSn
values.
The hand craft skills that are learned enable
children to take home the knowledge that they too
can make vests, dresses, drums and bags in the
traditional Indian way.
Like all the students at Culture Camp Rosanna
Jackson has made many items at camp including a
wing dress, a buckle, a bag and a shawl. She is
proud of her work and knows now she can do those
things at home.
The Indian way of hunting, fishing and preserving
food is emphasized. Children catch eels, gather
moss, dry salmon and butcher meat in an effort to
teach them self-sufficiency.
Under the coordination of the Cultural/Heritage
department and the leadeship of camp coordinator
Lynn Tanewasha the presentation to young people
is improving. Problems faced at the camp in the past
are considered and remedied fo r the next year.
There is always talk of budget cuts and with
money coming from Title IV funds that could easily
occur with Culture Camp funds.
It is hoped by students and teachers and parents
alike that Culture Camp will contin.ue each year with
the thought in mind that Indian values should notbe
of least importance but of most importance to the
c h ild re n and a d u lts o f W arm S p rin g s .
Trimming feathers for a bustle Taylor Arthur carefully clips away.
Cleaning the hide is one of the first steps in making a drum. (Left to right) Jimmy Wyena,
Chip Kalama, Leif Suppah, Andy Stacona, Maurice Smith and Virgil Windyboy work
together at it.
Spilyay Tymoo photos
by
Marsha Shewczyk
Artistry in beadwork is developed with practice.
Carole Saludo works oh her skill.
Nancy Wyena observes Mary Ann Meanus’ weaving
techniques.