Natives Of American Continents Gather In Colorado - Southern Ute ...

Indigenous
Tahgum-soo-we-knee why-koo spiku-up (12)
December 18, 2009
Cultural Values, Sovereignty Takes Stage at Indigenous Summit
Ecuadorian dignitaries at the 11th annual Gathering of Indigenous Peoples of the Americas
take a break from politics to tune their instruments. Southern Ute Elder Kenny Frost opens the
conference in Fort Collins on Dec. 4 as the keynote speaker for the weeklong summit. Humerto
Pagan of Taino-Puerto Rico, Dave Bald Eagle of Lakota-South Dakota and Anibal Alberto Pena
of Cayambe-Ecuador each voice their sovereign rights as indigenous peoples of the Americas
during a panel discussion on sovereignty.
All photos Jeremy Wade Shockley/SU DRUM
Aztec Dancers Grace Summit
Aztec Mexica (pronounced
me-she-ka) Dancers performed
to the visiting dignitaries
during the first day of
the 11th annual Gathering of
Indigenous Peoples of the
Americas. Pictured above,
Carlos Castaneda, of the
Denver based cultural dance
group, opens the ceremony
with respect to the four directions
of the Earth. The fastpaced
drumming and energetic
dances are tied back to
the strong cultural traditions
of Mexico and Central
America. Pictured at left, an
Azteca dancer shakes her
ankle in rhythm to the
drums, adding to the vibrant
sound of this cultural dance.
Groupo Tlaloc: Danza Azteca
is a non-profit traditional
Mexica/Azteca group composed
of Chicano/Mexicano
families and students of all
ages dedicated to preserving
and nourishing the ancient
knowledge of their ancestors.
photos Jeremy Wade Shockley/SU DRUM