Native spirit: Dance, songs tell stories of Native Alaska culture

Through dance and song, Native Alaskans celebrate life and diversity. Last week, the Miracle Drummers and Dancers brought their talent to Cottonwood Creek Elementary School, with that message in mind.

For nearly 45 minutes, the dancers and drummers talked to students about Native Alaskan culture, and how that culture is portrayed in traditional song and dance.

"The motions of the dance represent the motions of life," James Afcan told the student body.

Afcan's daughter, Jamie, is also a part of the Miracle Drummers and Dancers. She is also a student at Cottonwood Creek, so she got the opportunity to perform in front of her peers.

The Miracle Drummers and Dancers is a collection of more than 20 dancers, many of whom are from the Valley. They have been dancing together for more than a year now, and have traveled around the state.

"We have danced at the Alaska Native Heritage Center, in Fairbanks, in Kenai and even in Phoenix," said Kathy King, a dancer who lives in Wasilla.

King's daughter, 16-year-old Karena, is also a member of the Miracle Dancers and Drummers. Through dance, the elder King is able to teach her daughter about customs and traditions.

"I've been dancing since I was her age," Kathy King said as she smiles toward her daughter.

The next stop for the Miracle Dancers and Drummers is Saint Mary, where many of the dancers are originally from. The group will be in Saint Mary later this month for a potlach.