(Fargo, ND)-- Fargo Public Schools Indian Education Cultural Specialist Ricky White presented to the first graders at Eagles Elementary about Native American traditions and culture on Tuesday, November 23.
In his presentation, White gave a musical demonstration about how Native American songs can bring people together. He played on the drums and discussed the significance of sharing songs to inspire kindness towards each other. The message of togetherness focused on how difficult the COVID-19 pandemic has been for everybody and explained how healing from the pandemic will be better if we are kind to each other and work together.
White also shared with students a Native American perspective on Thanksgiving, explaining the real story of the Wampanoag people who were involved in the “First Thanksgiving” and acknowledging how brave and resilient they are. The Wampanoag suffered a 75% loss of their people as a result of contact with explorers and settlers on their homelands. This was due to foreign illnesses and the aggressive actions done to them in the takeover of their lands.