BEMIDJI-Students participating in American Indigenous Studies at BSU were welcomed to the 2015-2016 school year with two hoop of life workshops Wednesday at the American Indian Resource Center. Kevin Locke , a Lakota and Anishinaabe hoop dancer and flutist, led the sessions.
Students were introduced to the legend of Turtle Island and traditional songs, language and dances in what Locke referred to as "Powwow 101." Locke said he named the workshops after the hoop dance-style because music and traditional culture could easily spin-off from dance. Participants attempted twirling and jumping through hoops, while Locke explained the four main parts of powwow songs and shared stories of his international travels. Locke said dance styles tell a lot about a community.
"One thing I like about Northern Minnesota is there are a lot of traditional powwows," Locke said.
Locke, from Wakpala, S.D. on the Standing Rock Indian Reservation, has been dancing for more than 60 years and has played the indigenous Northern Plains flute for more than 40 years. Locke is planning a workshop at BSU in September to help revitalize the flute locally.
"Nothing can happen without the right song," Locke said.
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Locke said traditionally women did not play the flute, but females are his best students these days. His upcoming flute making session at BSU is part of Locke's efforts to reintroduce the instrument to the current generation. Locke has been visiting BSU to welcome students for the past three years. His mother, Patricia, was a well known hoop dancer who performed at the 1933 World's Fair in Chicago.
Throughout the day, students attended an information fair and were officially welcomed by AIRC Director Bill Blackwell Jr. Following Blackwell's introduction Wednesday morning, students heard honor songs by the Kingbird Singers, observed a pipe ceremony and listened as Locke played his cedar flute. Locke also performed a hoop dance Wednesday evening.
