Native pride dancers consisting of Sioux San Robinson and Chokash Nanaiya Owner of -Different-Horses took the stage at Main arena at day 9 of the 24th Hornbill festival at Kisama.
Speaking to Correspondent U.S. Consulate in Kolkata shared that she was delighted to collaborate with Nagaland’s Department of State Tourism and Department of Art and Culture for a special partnership at this year’s Hornbill Festival and informed that the initiative also involved bringing Native American dancers to the festival, a successful outcome of a commitment made two years ago by Melinda Pavek, the US Consul General in Kolkata.
“Two years ago I was here to inaugurate the Hornbill Music Festival, and all I could think as I watched was the amazing, beautiful, talented, and unique performers in Nagaland was how many cultural similarities there are to many of the Native Americans tribes I grew up around in my home state of Minnesota. I made a commitment to myself and my team that we would find a way to bring Native American performers to the Hornbill Festival. I am so glad to say that we have succeeded this evening and you will see two amazing dancers! A mother and daughter combo who are representing three amazing tribes: the Lakota, the Blackfoot, and the Choctaw. This is the first time, to our knowledge, that Native American dancers are going to perform in northeast India- Melinda Pavek US Consul General in Kolkata stated.
It has to be noted that the mission of The Native Pride Dancers were extended to inspiring, motivating, and empowering diverse communities. Through the rich tapestry of Indigenous traditions, they seek to bridge cultural gaps and promote understanding whether engaging with schools, colleges, or various venues like Performing Arts Centers and Festivals, these Native Pride Dancers deliver theatrical, engaging, and entertaining performances that celebrate and share Indigenous heritage.