By By James Crawford
News Editor
Rachel Patterson Elementary School hosted Native American dancers and representatives from Poarch Creek on Tuesday, Nov. 26 as part of its Native American Day. Throughout the day, representatives from the tribe set up display tables and talked about different aspects of tribal life both in the past and the present.
Students were entertained with storytelling on Creek life in the past, clothes they wore, medicine they used and contributions they made to the everyday life of immigrating Europeans.
At the end of the day, students were treated to an exhibition dance featuring outgoing senior Princess Gia Rodriquez, outgoing elementary Princess Tori Rodriquez and the current seven Poarch Creek Princess contestants. The dancers demonstrated a traditional circle dance conducted by host drummer and local Creek Indian Ding Ding wearing traditional headdress and clothing.
Mary Boyd, a teachers aid at Rachel Patterson, started Native American Day almost 18 years ago as a way to bridge the gap between the communities. "I wanted to teach the children that there were Native Americans right here in ATmore and they didn't all life in teepees. I wanted them to know we were still here and had a lot to offer them," Boyd said.
Of her year as representative Rodriguez said she enjoyed traveling the most and getting to meet people. "I've enjoyed my reign this year and I wish the best of luck to the next princess," Rodriguez said.