NPC To Host Pow Wow For Native American Heritage Celebration

Native American Steven Morales playing a tradition flute.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.