Today the first real blizzard arrived and with it a "Warm" day. Well, for up here, 28 degrees is a warm day! It is usually too cold to snow. I must be getting used to the way of thinking up here, because I was thinking, hope the ice is still strong enough to hold. LOL I don't even ice fish.
I am learning a lot about the native way of life. Last week I watched a conference in Anchorage on TV. I got to see Native Dancing and singing. The people are very humorous, and tell stories with their songs and dancing. Even if you don't know the language, you can understand what is going on by the movements in the dance.
My favorite dance was the seal dance. They sit in a row facing the same direction, as if in a canoe. The drum/singer calls out directions. Look to the left, look to the right, there one is, get the rifle, load it, fire! Bang goes the drum! He yells you missed, fire again! You got it! Paddle, paddle, now pick up the spear, throw it, now reel it in. It is a small one. Put it in your pocket, and we try again!
Next verse is the same, except this time, he says, there is a big one! World record! Fire the rifle, wait that won't work. Fire the machine gun, still not. Get the bazooka! You got it! Row, Row faster! Pick up the spear, never mind, just get out and pick up the pieces and take them home to Grandma!
Here is a short example I found on http://www.youtube.com/. You will be able to see what I mean! The people enjoy life! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHfjFPjE_uw
Another type of seal hunting dance, more formal: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHkYGUpEYbk
Check out this site for more about the conference! Goodbye for now!
http://www.nativefederation.org/
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2 comments:
Cool links. Seems we are on weather opposites....you're freezing and I'm sweating. lol.
Kinda curious as I'm rapidly becoming a political junkie...being up in Alaska what do the people on the ground think of Sarah Palin? Has any of there perceptions of her changed since her VP nomination? Take care up there in the Northern wonderland.
I don't follow the politics up here, other than I wonder if they are going to elect a convited felon to office! ^^ Stevens. I don't think a lot of natives care for Palin, but I am not sure. Take care! Enjoying your blog too!
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