SALT LAKE CITY — Native American dancers appeared on Good Day Utah at FOX 13 News, sharing their traditions and perspectives on what it means to be Indigenous in Utah ahead of an upcoming PowWow.
“I think everyone should know that we’re still here,” said Navajo dancer Naomi Smith. “People still have this belief that Native Americans aren’t here anymore, and I want everyone to know that, especially Utahns, that Native Americans are still here.”
The dancers were promoting the PowWow happening Thursday, July 24, at Liberty Park in Salt Lake City. The event, sponsored by the Utah Native American Chamber of Commerce, will feature dancers from several tribal nations, including Navajo and Northern Ute. It runs from noon to 5 p.m. with free admission.
Seventeen-year-old Sebastian Renteria explained the significance of his grass dance regalia, which features distinctive fringes. “A long time ago, there used to be grass dance warriors, and they would go out before war and stomp down the grass,” he said. “That’s why grass dancers stomp hard when they dance.”…