O’siyo. To celebrate the Christmas season, read about some great Native organizations that help children and families, listen to Christmas carols sung in Native languages, and learn about Native books for children for the holidays.
Please note that the following information was from a FaceBook page in 2013-Unfortunately, the page has since been removed.
“For some of the children who will attend the 2nd Annual Children’s’ Christmas Powwow in Dulce, the gift they receive there may be the only gift they receive this Christmas.”
Viejas California Indian Center
“The San Diego County urban Indian community gathered on the Viejas Indian Reservation for their tribal TANF (temporary assistance for needy families) holiday party that included a catered luncheon, a personal visit by Santa Claus who handed out Christmas gifts to the children.”
Christmas Playlist: Classic Carols in Native Languages ICTMN
“Carols are on the air, surrounding us in a cacophony of fa-la-la-la-la, angels and light. That’s all well and good, but it’s mostly in English—and none of it in an indigenous language. Today we spice up the musical offerings with lyrics that may be familiar—that is, if you speak Woodland Cree, Ojibwe, Navajo, Cherokee or Arapaho. These tried-and-true melodies have been translated into various Native languages. Some of them even have lyrics so you can sing along.”
Little Drummer Boy in Navajo, sung by the The Fruitland Gospel Trio, featuring Pastor Daniel Smiley
Hark the Herald Angels Sing, sung in Ojibwe by the Pine Family
Children’s Books That Summon the Native Christmas Spirit
“In Night Before Christmas, the setting is a tipi where moccasins are hung from lodge poles. “Old Red Shirt,” plump from eating so much fry bread, arrives on a sleigh pulled by eight buffalo. He leaves gifts and departs, calling “Merry Christmas to All My Relations and to all a ‘goot’ night!” The content, words, and jokes work especially well for Native readers, but for those who are not familiar with Native culture, the final pages provide background information on some of the content.”
“In S. D. Nelson’s lively story, ever-hungry Coyote schemes to get food from a family gathered round a table at Christmas Eve. He dresses up as Santa and stuffs a bag with straw. Knocking at the door, he is invited in, meets the parents and two children, one of whom is in a wheelchair. Raven has been observing Coyote’s antics and decides to outdo him with her own powers.”
“Everyday is Christmas in Indian Country. Daily living is centered around the spirit of giving and walking the Red Road. Walking the Red Road means making everything you do a spiritual act.” ~Floyd Looks for Buffalo Hand~
“When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.” ~Maya Angelou~
WE WISH EVERYONE A SAFE AND WONDERFUL HOLIDAY!