The gym at Weston-McEwen High School reverberated with the sounds of Native singing and dancing by members of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) on Tuesday, November 18th. The Tribal Dance Presentation is an annual tradition for Athena-Weston School District and is intended to celebrate Native American Heritage Month.
A variety of men’s and women’s dances were shared with the audience of all district students. Fred Hill, Senior, from CTUIR, was the Grand Entry.
Elementary and middle school students were invited to the gym floor to join in the Friendship Dance.
WMHS Principal Morgan Rauch thanked the audience for attending “as we gather to celebrate culture, connection, and community. We are honored to host this special tribal dance presentation in partnership with the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. Moments like this remind us of the deep history, rich traditions, and ongoing contributions of the CTUIR to our region and to our schools.”
Rauch said that the event was especially meaningful because it includes students and families from across the district, many of whom are sharing pieces of their cultural identity.
The high school’s Atina Club, chartered in 2023, was recognized, along with Club President Manaia Wolf and Advisor Corrine Monaco. The club serves as an affinity group where members can connect with one another, celebrate Native American heritage, and engage in leadership, service, and cultural learning.
See video and photos from the event: Tribal Dance Presentation