St. Peter Indian Mission School students present ‘from the heart’ at annual Native American Heritage month event

Roberto A. Jackson

Gila River Indian News

In recognition of Native American Heritage Month, which is observed in November, Gila River Indian Community’s Human Resources Department hosted about 60 St. Peter Indian Mission School students at the Governance Center in Sacaton on Nov. 15. 

The presentation was called “Honoring Native Americans through Song and Dance.” The students presented in the lobby before GRIC staff and visitors with traditional songs and dances led by the St. Peter cultural teachers.

“We’re doing it from our heart,” said St. Peter Cultural Teacher Corinna Harrison. Cultural Teacher Martin Luna offered a prayer to begin the program, and also introduced each portion of the presentation with the significance of each song and dance performed by the students, which consisted of third grade students and Jr. High boys and girls.

The students and staff shook the hands of everyone in attendance before they were transported back to St. Peter Indian Mission School in District 5.