National Park College (NPC) will host a Native American Heritage Celebration that
will include a traditional pow wow demonstration presented by Whirlwind Tails Dance
Troupe of Park Hill, Oklahoma.
The event will be held on the quad outside the Student Commons building at 11 a.m.
Friday, April 23. In the event of inclement weather, the event will be moved to the
Frederick M. Dierks Center for Nursing and Health Sciences Eisele Auditorium. Social
distancing may limit capacity.
Whirlwind Tails Dance Troupe is a family group of dancers and singers, providing American
Indian cultural exchanges worldwide. Steven “Scissortail” Morales, Cherokee and Sioux
is a combat veteran of the Army Special Forces, Purple Heart recipient and current
commander of the Cherokee Nation Color Guard. Starr Morales, Cheyenne and Chippewa,
retired American Indian nonprofit and human resources executive, enjoys dancing all
pow wow styles and has traveled the world in cultural exchanges. The Morales own and
operate Whirlwind Tails, where they create custom jewelry and authentic handmade arts
and crafts. Joining Steven and Starr is William Morales, their 8 year old son. He
will be presenting his own Southern Straight dance style. They will also feature special
guest, Paula Starr, Cheyenne. She is an elder, a Southern Traditional Dancer and retired
executive director of the Southern California Indian Center, Inc.
Whirlwind Tails Dance Troupe will share stories through interactive dance and song,
demonstrating a unique American Indian cultural exchange. The event is free and open
to the public.
