SIERRA VISTA — In honor of Native American Heritage Month, Cochise College is hosting a dance performance by the Redhouse Dancers from Tucson.
The group will be performing a collection of traditional Native dances Tuesday, Nov. 22 at 11 a.m. at the Sierra Vista Campus on The Green, which is the courtyard lawn located south of the Student Union.
In spirit of the original dance group, family members will describe the symbolism of the dances, including a hoop dance and an eagle dance. By sharing their Native spirituality and musicality, the Redhouse Dancers will enlighten their audience on some of their Native traditions and values.
In 1969, the late Rex Redhouse initiated the Redhouse Dancers group of the Navajo Nation. Along with Rex Redhouse, the group included his wife, Maria, and their six children. The dancers performed traditional Native American music and dances at schools, conventions and other venues to educated audiences about Native American culture.
Sierra Vista holds special memories of the family. Rex Redhouse was stationed at Fort Huachuca during the 1970s.
As adults, the Redhouse family has cultivated a unique musical style, ranging from jazz and blues to traditional Native flute music. They have won several musical recognitions, including Grammy nominations and international awards.
Following the dance performance, Mark Arviso of the Navajo Nation will deliver a speech called “Our Common Heritage” in the Student Union.
In addition, the Cochise College Student Government Association will sponsor a workshop devoted to teaching the art of making dream catchers from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Student Union.
Participants may bring bag lunches, or sample traditional Native American food prepared by the Union Café for $6.
School groups and the public are invited to this free event, sponsored by the college’s Cultural Events Committee, the Cochise College Student Government Association and Tanya Biami’s communications class.
For more information, call Biami at 515-5316.