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Teen
Tribal Dancers
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When five young dancers first performed together in a church youth group, they had no idea that they would soon become ambassadors for their ancient, and often overlooked Native American tribe. As Jim Melchiorre reports, they call themselves the “Stix Chix” and they come from the Nanticoke Indian community of rural Southern Delaware. |
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SCRIPT:
(Locator: Millsboro, Delaware)
“Stix Chix,” five dancers still in their teens, with a piece they
choreographed themselves.
Cory Jackson/Stix Chix Dancer:“I like it because it’s Christian, which
is a big part of me; it’s Native American, which is the other huge part
of me.”
These girls learned the art of their Nanticoke ancestors at annual
Powwows, which their tribe resumed 30 years ago to preserve culture and
pride.
Jean Norwood/ Nanticoke Historical and Cultural Affairs Director: “They
have, just in a few short years, really gone out and been able to
express themselves in ways that 10, 20 years ago our people would have
felt comfortable doing.”
Begun as a youth activity at Indian Mission United Methodist Church, the
“Stix Chix” perform at hospitals and nursing homes, to Nanticoke and
non-native audiences alike.
Jean Norwood/ Nanticoke Historical and Cultural Affairs Director: “All
of our history so far has been written by someone else. I think it’s
just great that we’re doing it ourselves.””
“Stix Chix” embrace Native cultural diversity, including what’s called
“fancy dancing,” “jingle dress,” and traditional clothing.
Cory Jackson/Stix Chix Dancer: “My great, great, great, great
grandfather was on the same land and they were living their lives in the
old traditional ways and yet we’re still here now and we’re still trying
to keep the ways. It’s an amazing responsibility.”
TAG:
Nanticoke translates to mean “the people of the tidewaters.” If you'd
like to learn more about the Nanticoke people of Southern Delaware,
their long history, and their very interesting museum, here's a website
to check out:
http://www.nanticokeindians.org.