MASSENA — A part of history came alive for Massena Central elementary school students on Friday.
They were treated to an interactive performance from Native American singers and dancers from the Akwesasne Ratirennenhawi traveling group.
The group, which included some elementary and high school Native American students, gave presentations to four separate groups from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. While three of the presentations were for Jefferson Elementary School students, the fourth was a combined session for students from Jefferson, Madison and Nightengale elementary schools.
“The fourth-grade social studies curriculum includes New York state history,” including the history of Native Americans in the state, Jefferson Elementary Principal Duane Richards said.
He said Friday’s event was set up by Michelle Lazare, Jefferson’s Native American literary specialist and liaison for Native American students.
The event was significant for Jefferson Elementary, according to Mr. Richards, who said about 12 percent of their population is Native American students, the highest percentage among the elementary schools.
While November was the official time for Native American Heritage Month, he said it was important to celebrate that history, even if it was three months later. It was something that had previously been on the school’s calendar.
“We figured it was better late than never,” he said.
For students in grades one through six, it was an opportunity to participate in social singing and dancing while learning about the Native American culture. Among the dances they took part in was the Round Dance. Standing in a circle and moving right signified all of the positive things in life. Moving left represented all of the negative things in life.
For students in grade four, it was a little bit more, as they were treated to some facts, like every U.S. highway in the U.S. once serving as a trade route. They were also quizzed on what they had learned in class, like the names of all of the tribes in New York state.
Mr. Richards said it had been a while since they have held a Native American social, but it wouldn’t be the last.
“We look forward to getting back into it again, he said.