Date: Fri 04-Dec-1998

Publication: Bee

Author: MICHEL

Quick Words:

Lakota-Native-American-myths

Full Text:

Dispelling Myths About Native Americans

(with photos)

BY MICHELE HOGAN

The children ducked and stepped through the small oval opening into the

woman's place, the teepee, then respectfully sat down inside, ready to learn

about Native Americans from a Native American, Chris Roberto.

Part of a cultural program started by first grade teacher Theresa Lavelle, the

local group, Native Spirit, gave the children a glimpse into the real life and

values of the Lakota people.

Native Spirit's purpose is to dispel myths about Indians. They did not charge

the school for their visit with the children.

Erected in the courtyard at Sandy Hook School last Thursday, the teepee Native

Spirit put up was a near-replica of the traditional Lakota teepee. Chris

Roberto of Native Spirit told the children that the sticks that hold up the

teepee are the men. He said that the men stand alone, each one strong and

straight, but they come together at the top. Once the men are in place,

buffalo hide is wrapped around them to create the woman's place, the teepee.

He ran his hand over the many sticks holding up the teepee and said, "Look, it

takes this many men to support one woman!"

Everybody laughed at this old Lakota joke, then the children who were in the

teepee changed places with the other first graders dancing inside.

Moving rhythmically to every drum beat, Sheila Roberto kept her feet close to

Mother Earth, in a traditional Lakota dance. Fringes flying as she twirled on

the dance floor, six-year-old Theresa Roberto, enthusiastically demonstrated

the showier newer dances that she practices at pow-wows.

First graders then joined Lorri-Beth Lajoie and Sheila Roberto, and even

three-year-old Cherokee Lajoie, in both traditional and newer dances.

One dance, called the candy dance, had children dancing around to the rhythm

of the drum. When the drum stopped, they picked up candy. When the drum

started again, they had to put the candy down and keep dancing. Finally, after

many false stops, the drum stopped beating for good. Then, and only then,

could the children keep the candy they grabbed from the floor. Earl Cabral,

one of the Native Spirit group, said that this dance is to teach children that

they can get something good, but they have to work for it.

The children also learned about the regalia worn by the group members.

Clothing was designed from animal skins, and beautiful breastplates were made

originally to guard against arrows. Mrs Roberto showed the children

fascinating Native American tools and instruments, made from nature. The

children were especially interested in the Native American rattle with real

deer toes on it, and the medicine bag made from a turtle shell.

Mrs Lavelle, first grade teacher, arranged for the visit from the Newtown

residents in Native Spirit as the culmination of a study of Native American

culture, which her students have been involved with throughout the month of

November.

Each month, she zeros in on a different cultural group.

Since Americans have such a rich cultural heritage, Mrs Lavelle is bringing

parents in to share their heritage and knowledge of a variety of cultural

groups.

Next month, parents are invited to introduce literature or pen pals from

Germany, show customs or crafts, and discuss clothing or food. In January, the

topic will be Mexico. Then on to China, Ireland, Israel, Russia, and finally

"the melting pot" of many cultural groups, the United States at the end of the

year.

Mrs Lavelle hopes to bring every family into class to take an active role in

expanding the children's awareness of culture.

She was very pleased with the response of parents and community members like

Native Spirit, who provide so much enrichment for the children. Although many

people are contributing their time and expertise at no cost, Mrs Lavelle has

received a $1,000 grant from Educare Inc for the things she will need to pay

for over her year-long cultural project.

For anyone wishing further information on Native Spirit they may contact Chris

Roberto at 270-1107.