Youth Services

Cultural Arts

The Youth Services Department Cultural Arts Program holds a Culture Night every Monday from 5:30-8pm. We provide dinner, dance instruction, arts classes, drumming and singing, and Lakota language instruction. Everyone of all ages is welcome to attend. Culture Night is a time for the Native American/Alaskan Native community to come together to learn, practice and share their culture. 

Dance classes

Fancy, Traditional and Jingle dance lessons are offered for our young women. Students will focus on the basics of their dance styles and work up to  the intermediate/advanced level of dance. They will also learn about the different styles, songs, traditions and meanings associated with each of the dances.

For our young men we offer a beginning dance and advanced dance class taught by different instructors. Beginners will learn about the different styles, songs, traditions and meanings associated with each dance. Advance students will focus on excelling in their dancing by studying more styles of dance as well as the work of other dancers, combining this with what they  already know.

Regalia-making classes

Classes are open to new and experienced regalia makers of all ages. We recommend that participants bring their own supplies, but we will help with what we can. Several sewing machines are available, but if you have your own, you are welcome to bring it with you. Workshops will focus on teaching youth different parts of the regalia. Each month we will make available a list of classes currently being offered.  We will have experienced regalia makers available to answer any questions that you may have. Sewing 101 classes will start in mid October.

Culture classes

These classes explore a different topic each month. Classes include field trips that range from visits to the art museum to basket weaving and drum making. Classes are open to all who want to participate with a focus on our youth to help them discover more about their own culture and the culture of those around them.

Cultural Arts Performances

Want to have NAYA youth dancers, live drummers, or a cultural presenation at your event?

Fill out a cultural performance request form! Deliver or fax completed forms to Theresa Smith at the  NAYA Family Center.

Contact

Programming supported by: