Fort Hall Round Dance grows; Dixey family welcomes visitors & others
Bad Soul Singers at the Fort Hall Round Dance.
By LORI ANN EDMO
Sho-Ban News
FORT HALL — The Fort Hall Round Dance the Dixey family hosts has grown and organizer Sonny Dixey is happy that new singers participated, along with visitors who traveled to dance.
The event was at the Sho-Ban High School January 17 and 18 for the second year in a row that makes it more convenient for tribal elders so they don’t have to go up and down the stairs.
Ladies enjoying the round dance.
Food was served both days and Dixey is appreciative of all who contribute, “I’m really happy with that – people donate their food and time — it makes me feel good we can do that for everybody and our tribe here.”
Bart Powaukee from Roosevelt, Utah served as the emcee keeping the crowd entertained in between songs. Earl “Archie” Arkinson from Rocky Boy, Mont. was unable to make it because of a previous commitment. He previously noted the meaning of the Round Dance is ceremony and that’s why they smudge for the people that went home (passed on) and for the present. He said those who’ve gone home are present spiritually as the Creator allowed them and that is why the Round Dance is done.
Ladies dance in ribbon skirts at Sho-Ban School.
Invited singers included Blackstone, Sweetgrass, Sask., Canada, Randy Paskemin, West Valley City, Utah; Marc Longjohn, Saskatoon, Sask., Canada; Red Hoop Singers, Dresslerville, Nev., Wrangler Singers, Crow Agency, Mont. and Spring Creek Singers.
Sonny said Red Hoop Singers previously attended and he’s thankful for Randy Paskemin, “he never fails to help me out,” noting out of the 26 years it has been held, Paskemin missed only one time.
The Paskemin brothers and Marc Longjohn presented Dixey with a handdrum Saturday evening in recognition of their friendship and for putting the round dance on.
The Crow Wranglers also attended back in the 90s when Sonny’s mom and auntie organized the dance, so he reached out to again invite them. The Wranglers sang “Push Dance” songs, in addition to round dance songs. The Push Dance is similar to the owl dance but is danced in the opposite direction.
Leland Butler and three other Bad Soul drum group singers traveled from Grand Ronde, Oregon to attend. He said he heard about the round dance for a number of years but never made it until now, “Just the timing of it, it’s a good year to be here. A lot of good vibes and people so we’re enjoying ourselves,” Bad Soul has members from different areas in Oregon but four of them attended the event.
Dixey noted some young ladies from North Dakota traveled about 12 hours to attend just to dance.
In addition, Miss Indian World Kassie John was in attendance Saturday night. She said she was truly honored to be amongst Native youth and families, “as we danced and sang the night away.” “It was truly a memorable experience being among my Shoshone-Bannock relatives and reconnecting with my ‘Deezhi’ Miss Shoshone-Bannock Queen Dystnee Adrianna Rope.”
Miss Indian World Kassie John visited Fort Hall for the round dance.
“Over the years my family and I have woven many beautiful friendships here in Fort Hall,’ she continued. “Through the annual Sho-Ban Festival and Veterans Powwow, we always enjoyed the wonderful hospitality and love we receive from our Sho-Ban relatives.”
“Thank you to the Dixey Family for bringing everyone together and uplifting our people through prayer. Listening to the powerful voices from our singers and hearing the joy everyone shared with their families was truly a heartwarming experience,” John said.
“As I wrap up my journey as the 2024-2025 Miss Indian World, I am so grateful for the kindness and support I have received from my relatives across NDN country.”
