Intertribal songs celebrate heritage

Members of the University community formed a circle last night as intertribal songs rang through Trotter House for a drum social.

The Treetown Singers and the Blue Lake Singers performed at the drum social, one of several events planned for Native American Heritage Month, titled "Woven by Traditions."

"One of the purposes of having this event was not only for members of the Native American community, but to open it up to all people," said Rackham first-year student Andrew Adams, a member of Treetown. "One of the things that is important to all native people is the significance of the drum."

Jodi Cook, co-chair of the Native American Student Association, said one of the purposes of the drum social was to familiarize people in the University community with drumming.

BRYAN MCLELLAN/Daily The Treetown Singers participate in an intertribal song at last night's drum social at Trotter House. The drum social was part of Native American Heritage Month.

"We put it at the top of the month because it's such an important part of our heritage," Cook said.

Both Cook and NASA Co-chair Joe Reilly said they were pleased with last night's turnout. Cook said other previous NASA-sponsored events have also been successful.

Blue Lake member Joseph Smith said that besides being fun, the drum social allowed Native Americans to share their culture with all members of the local community.

"In a lot of ways, this opens up our culture," Smith said. "Sharing with everyone is what we really need to do to let people know we're still here."

By inviting people of all cultures to events like the drum social, people who might be curious or want to understand a heritage that is not their own can learn, Reilly said.

"I think it's going really well," Reilly said. "It's nice to get together with people and share your songs and food. It's a good way to start Native American Heritage Month."

Music senior Rosanna Tavarez said she attended the drum social because she wanted to hear the drum, which is essential to many cultures in different ways.

"I really think it speaks to people's hearts," Tavarez said. "It's one thing that's constant across many cultures. I think it gives people a sense of community."

Tavarez said she heard the drum in a similar context once before during Indigenous People's Day, which took place on campus last month.

"I just think it's reaffirming how much I love to hear it and how important it is," she said.

Adams said singing with Treetown is an integral part of his life.

"By me participating in my culture, it helps my sanity," Adams said. "It's more than relieving stress from homework, it's my way of praying."

Although not in the setting of a drum social, Treetown sings at Trotter House every Monday, Adams said.

Near the end of the event last night, Treetown played an honor song for the birthday of 3-year-old Maricela Vargas, whose father is a member of the group.

"They're always really nice," said Pat Vargas, Maricela's mother. "It's always good to come because it gets all of the community together."

Shannon Martin, Native American coordinator in the Offfice of Multi-Ethinic Student Affairs, said the consenus of the attendees seemed to be a request for more events that bring together everyone in the community from elders to young children.

"This is really the first one we've done and I've heard comments from the communtiy that we need it, that we should come together more," Martin said.

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