Jayden Mishquawtuk Mars, MWS alum and Narragansett and Ojibwe Tribal Member, visited Grade 4 as part of their studies of Rhode Island. Jayden is a youth ambassador for the Narragansetts and spoke and danced for the class.
As part of his presentation, Jayden described the Grass Dance of the Northern Plains and explained its origins. He explained the balance and symmetry of the movements and noted that this symmetry was also reflected in his dance regalia. This regalia, which was family-made and handed down, included intricated beadwork, porcupine fur and eagle feathers. His sister, Liliana, taught the class to count to ten in the Narragansett language.
As Jayden left Grade 4, he visited our children in the Morning Glory kindergarten. As a former Morning Glory kindergartner himself, he stressed the importance of afternoon rest and his love of kindergarten bread. He also met with Grade 8 students, and they discussed how different cultures have different perspectives on the Thanksgiving holiday.
November is Native American Heritage Month, and we are so fortunate to have Jayden and his family share their culture, experiences, and history with our school. Both our home school site and our current site are on historically Narragansett lands.
Enjoy a clip of the Grass Dance…