Tribal pride

YONCALLA -- Esther Stutzman of Yoncalla is tired of hearing the stereotypes. Native Americans, she said, are not the whooping savages depicted on Western films. Instead, they are a diverse and evolved people with their own unique customs.

"We aren't chased across the movie screens," she said. "Indian people are still here, and we still retain our culture."

Some aspects of this culture will be shared with the public on Saturday through Indian Heritage Day.

The event will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Charles Applegate House in Yoncalla and will feature the arts of basketry, beadwork, leatherwork and cedar plank splitting.

A theatrical performance, storytelling and drumming will also be highlighted.

"I think Indian Heritage Day will really raise the awareness in the area," she said. "I'm really looking forward to it."

The event is being sponsored by the Applegate House Heritage Arts and Education and the Komemma Cultural Protection Association. Both groups commonly work together to inform the public about Native American and pioneer people.

To further promote cultural awareness, the Komemma Cultural Protection Association has made strides to work with children, both in the schools and in the community. The De-Hayaba Singers, meaning "Camas digging place," is one product of this action.

The group formed last winter and consists of about a dozen youths who get together every week to drum and sing -- an art that will be demonstrated at Indian Heritage Day.

"The drum is amazingly powerful," said Stutzman, a Kalapuya elder herself. "Drumming is a common bond among many different people."

Ann Sublette, an incoming sophomore at Yoncalla High School, said she's learned a lot by being a member of the group.

For one thing, she said people don't pound the drums with their hands; they use sticks. Drummers must be invited to participate, and no one is permitted to put their hands in their pockets while sitting before the instrument.

Enjoying the camaraderie of drumming with her peers, Sublette said she hopes people will attend the Saturday event while keeping an open mind.

"I hope people learn to respect everybody for who they are," Sublette said. "There's not just one point of view."

At a Glance <b>WHAT:</b> Indian Heritage Day, a fund-raiser that will include drumming, storytelling, theatrical performances and craft making. Proceeds will benefit the Applegate House Heritage Arts and Education and the Komemma Cultural Protection Association, organizations that educate the public about Native American and pioneer people. <b>WHEN:</b> 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday <b>WHERE:</b> Charles Applegate House, Yoncalla. To get there, turn onto Halo Trail from Eagle Valley Road and travel half a mile to Old Applegate Road. <b>COST:</b> The suggested donation is $5 per car. <b>INFORMATION: </b>Susan Applegate, 849-3500; Esther Stutzman, 849-2983.

Stutzman said Indian Heritage Day will include activities both adults and children can enjoy.

A performance titled, "Two Way Seeing, Women's Perspectives on the West," will illustrate the points of view of two conversing pioneer and Native American women. Robert Greygrass, a well-known storyteller, will entertain in the afternoon, and the Indian theater group, "Mother Earth's Children," will use costumes and robes to make a series of Native American legends come to life.

"I'd like to see something positive coming out of the cultural experience for kids," she said. "... The main goal of the day is to educate the public."



* You can reach reporter Erin Snelgrove at 957-4208 or by e-mail at esnelgrove@newsreview.info.