Public Invited to Free Performances by SMSC Youth

Young Native Pride, a group of Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) youth, invites the general public to free dance exhibitions on Thursday, May 14, at 1 and 7 p.m. at the Prior Lake High School auditorium.

Each performance opens with a prayer and a grand entry, in which the dancers take part in a procession behind flags and eagle feather staffs. The featured dance styles include men’s traditional, grass, and fancy, and women’s traditional, jingle, and fancy shawl. Tiny Tots – a group of children ages six and under – will also participate while wearing regalia. The Hoka Hey drum group, including adults and youth from several tribes, will sing traditional songs. Near the end of the performance, the audience is invited to participate in a round dance.

“As young Dakota people, these kids are proud of their heritage and excited to showcase an important aspect of their culture,” said SMSC Education Director Beth Tepper. “These performances are a time-honored tradition for the Community and have been a popular event at Prior Lake High School for the past 18 years.”

“Culture is the foundation of our people. It is what guides us through life,” said Lance Crooks, who is coordinating the Young Native Pride performance. “Therefore, it is of great importance that we learn as much as we can and pass it on. Only in this way can we grow.”

SMSC royalty and members of the SMSC Youth Leadership Council will facilitate and participate in the event. The performance will be followed by light refreshments in the high school cafeteria.

Prior Lake High School is located at 7575 150th Street West in Savage.