Keller 4-H Culture Club Comes Out
Ferry County Youth Value Traditional Ways
By Linda McLean, WSU Colville Reservation-Ferry County 4-H Coordinator
Members of the Keller 4-H Culture Club made their Native American dance debut at their Coming Out Powwow and Giveaway. Nine boys and girls were individually featured performing their chosen type of dance – Traditional, Fancy, Grass, or Jingle – before community members and students at Keller Elementary School. Attendees and special guests were given gifts from each of the new dancers during the May ceremony.
The Keller 4-H Culture Club is led by 4-H Leaders Kari Neal, Dolly Brudevold and 4-H volunteer, Barb Herman. Their project areas focus on the history, culture and traditions of the Colville Confederated Tribes.
“I like learning about dancing and respect,” said third grader Emalia Michel. “Being in the Culture Club makes me happy and I like to help out.”
The members of the Keller 4-H Culture Club are enrolled in the Performing Arts project and the Creative Arts projects. These youth are eligible to exhibit their native art and crafts at the Ferry County Fair. These 4-H members are also eligible to enter in the Performing Arts Competition, where they can demonstrate their knowledge and talents in the form of Native dancing.
The Keller 4-H Culture Club meets twice a month after school. Club members, 4-H leaders, and community volunteers work on designing, creating and sewing the traditional native regalia worn during Native American dances.
posted June 2009
For more information on how to start or join a 4-H Club contact Linda McLean, WSU Colville Reservation-Ferry County 4-H Coordinator, (509) 634-2304, ljmclean@wsu.edu, Dan Fagerlie, WSU Colville Reservation-Ferry County Project Director, (509) 775-5235, fagerlie@wsu.edu or Ann Fagerlie, WSU Okanogan County 4-H Coordinator, (509) 422-7245.
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