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Native American dancers treat Soldiers to show

by Pfc. Durwood Blackmon

In celebration of Native American Heritage month Soldiers attended a performance by the Native Star Dance Team of New Mexico who put on a show filled with entrancing dances and colorful fashion at Contingency Operating Base Spiecher, Nov. 8.

Sky Medicinebear dances as part of an event for native American Soldiers at COB Spiecher, Nov. 4. The performance was the 8th for the Native American Dance Team since they arrived in Iraq Oct. 28th.

The show was organized with the assistance of Army Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR) and Nick Brokeshoulder; a retired Army Sgt. 1st Class.

"We wanted to support the troops and provide a morale support tour to celebrate Native American Heritage month in the military," said BrokeShoulder. "The Soldiers have been very receptive and we have been humbled by the positive comments that they've made."

Soldiers stand in line to place combat patches on the wing dress of Sharon Brokeshoulder at COB Spiecher, Nov. 4.

Dancers took the stage wearing assorted outfits constructed from colorful materials covered with tassels and other gems. The clothing is characteristic of their rich history as well as new and passed down traditions.

Brokeshoulder was accompanied by six dancers one of whom was his wife Sharon.

"Sharon is wearing a Women's Southern Cloth, an Oklahoma style wing dress. The unique thing is Soldiers have given her combat patches. She is going to sew every single patch to that dress. The patches will never be taken off and the dress will never be sold it will be kept forever." Brokeshoulder continued, "The reason she is doing this is because when she goes to future Pow Wows other Indians will see her dance and ask about those patches. She will tell them that Combat Soldiers, the modern day warriors, gave them to her. She is so honored to wear the dress and throughout time the Indian warrior society has evolved through the military starting from World War I and now into Iraqi Freedom."

Sharon Brokeshoulder performs for Soldiers at COB Spiecher, Nov 4. The event was in honor of Native American Heritage Month for military service members.

As the audience watched enchanting acts of dance, each individual carried out their own performance. All the acts performed were a type of Plains Indian Dance routinely shown throughout North America. According to Brokeshoulder Native American Soldiers enjoyed the event because it brought them a little taste of home.

"This is a great opportunity. This is the first time I can recollect where a full fledge dance team has performed in any atmosphere such as this. Many Native American Soldiers have come up to us and said we have brought memories from home to them. I often hear Soldiers say they miss what they left behind. One young lady told my wife this show touched her so much she got emotional. She said it was the most beautiful thing we could have done for her because she misses home," said Brokeshoulder.

Members of the Native Star Dance Team of New Mexico perform together at COB Spiecher, Nov. 8. The event was in celebration of Native American Heritage month for Soldiers serving their country in Iraq.

At the close of the event the dancers signed autographs, took photos and interacted with Soldiers. Not only did Soldiers congratulate the performers for their work, but Brokeshoulder also acknowledged Native American Soldiers as well.

"I have personally been taking photographs of Native American Soldiers and I plan to send them back to their tribal leaders. In Indian country veterans are recognized often at many of their gatherings. We really just want to thank all the Soldiers. They have taken very good care of us while we have been here and have been treated well beyond our expectations. This is our 8th performance and we have had one of the greatest responses at COB Spiecher. We have several shows left but we really want to thank MWR for all their help and especially our Soldiers for their support. This is for them," said Brokeshoulder.