Oklahoma’s 100th celebrated with dancers
Terry Tsotigh performs a traditional musical piece on a Native American flute. Tsotigh performed with the Oklahoma Fancy Dancers on Nov. 14
Above: Fancy Shawl dancer Leslie Deer performs the butterfly dance during the Oklahoma Fancy Dancers performance for Celebrate Oklahoma Week at OCCC.
Text and photos by Carrie Cronk
The sounds of a Native American drum, flute, jingles and bells filled the air as feathers and brightly colored bead work and ribbons twirled through the College Union during the lunch hour on Nov. 14.
The sounds and colors were provided courtesy of the Oklahoma Fancy Dancers during their performance, which was one of numerous events held by the college to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Oklahoma’s statehood.
The celebration began on Nov. 12 with Oklahoma Heroes Day.
The sounds of the Armed Forces Medley could be heard in the area surrounding the atrium near the main entrance to the college.
Chris Stewart, the Leadership Council chairman and serviceman in the U.S. Air Force Reserves, delivered an elegant speech about the importance of the nation’s soldiers during the ceremony held to honor them.
Stewart served two one-year tours in Iraq, His first tour began in 2003 and his last tour began in 2005.
The Oklahoma Fancy Dancers performance on Nov. 14 was the most colorful event, and the event that best portrayed an aspect Oklahoma’s diverse culture.
The group’s brightly colored costumes came to life as they performed numerous dances.
Between dances, Steve Littleman explained the dancers’ regalia and the story behind the dance they were performing.
Littleman said the Oklahoma Fancy Dancers perform to help educate people about the Native American culture.
Other events included an Oklahoma trivia question game hosted by Student Life, tours to the Oklahoma History Museum, the Governor’s Mansion and the Capitol, numerous displays, and the Native American Student Association’s Indian Taco sale.
On Nov. 14, the Metropolitan Library System came in to record the stories of Oklahomans for their Oklahoma Voices project. Students, staff and faculty could schedule appointments to be interviewed about their lives in Oklahoma.
The college finished out the weeklong celebration with an Oklahoma Centennial Party on Nov. 15, during which they provided free cake to the college community.
