Gatherings and Celebrations to Honor The First Americans

In Honoring Life, Honoring Elders, and Honoring Heritage more than 250 members of the Goddard community gathered in the Building 3 Goett auditorium for a Native American observance Wednesday, Nov. 25, 11:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. The gathering was one of a series of events organized to honor Native American History Month.

Native American dancer performs a traditional northern dance in full regalia

First onto the stage to perform were "The Four Winds Dancers" who are members of local communities surrounding Goddard. Each member, dressed in different Native American regalia, performed either a traditional or contemporary Native American dance. "The Bear Creek Drummers and Singers" from the Eastern Shore of Maryland performed traditional and contemporary dances and vocally presented a picture of past Native American culture. At the end of their performance children from the audience were invited to join the dancers on stage.

According to Wanda David, Native American Program Manager, this activity was just another opportunity for the Goddard community to gain a better understand and appreciation of Native American history and culture. "Early in my childhood I discovered that I have a family connection to Native Americans," said David. "My great aunt said that my fascination with Native Americans could be a result of my blood connection because of a Native American marriage within our family," she added.

It was years later before she would realize the desire to be a voice and a catalyst for Native Americans. "The opportunity came when I was asked to become the Native American Program Manager here," she added. According to David each year the committee looks to schedule activities to enlighten the Goddard community about Native American culture. "It is our attempt to reverse stereotypes with facts and information about Native Americans presented by Native Americans," said David. "At Goddard these activities are also an opportunity for the Goddard community to understand the myriad of sacrifices and contributions made by the first people of this land that have also made this country so great," added David.

Present for the celebration were a number of vendors with a variety of Native American artisans. Before and after the dancing a video depicting Native American culture was presented. Next week, the activities continue with a special viewing of a documentary hosted by Kevin Costner on Monday, Nov. 25, beginning at 11:30 a.m. in the Building 8 auditorium. The month of activities concludes with a "Brown Bag Lunch" video series on Wednesday, Nov. 27, beginning at 11:30 a.m. in room 235 of Building 8.

Photos by Chris Gunn/293
	Wanda David (lft) presents dancers witha certificate of appreciation for their outstanding performance and participation in Goddard's observance of Native American Month

"I have been told that in past years these activities have helped others within the Goddard community connect to their Native American ancestry," said David. "It reminds me of a program I watched several years ago. "Within the program an elder stated that he had a vision in which he saw a circle of people from all nations coming together as one. "Maybe these types of activities can assist in transforming that vision into a reality," concluded David.

For more details on these events check the website http://eeo.gsfc.nasa.gov/nap/index.html or call Wanda David, Native American Program Manager, at 6-1091.