Dr. Kyle Chase Bacon family & friends heal with memorial
Family of Dr. Kye Chase Bacon at the Eastern Shoshone Indian Days Powwow.
By ROSELYNN YAZZIE
Sho-Ban News
FORT WASHAKIE, Wyo. — Rod First Strike of Browning, Mont. was the winner of the Dr. Kyle Chase Bacon Memorial Prairie Chicken Dance Special at the Eastern Shoshone Indian Days Powwow.
The top five dancers were Rod First Strike, Sheldon Scalplock Jr., Alex Meninick, Brando Jack and Cortez Osborne.
There were 10 places awarded. The first-place winner received a cash prize, Pendleton blanket, jacket and a teepee. The rest of the places won a cash prize and gift. A fully beaded outfit that Sissy Marshall Tendoy created was drawn for among the competitors with the winner Cortez Osborne.
A total of 29 chicken dancers entered the competition. There were dancers from Wyoming, Kansas, New Mexico, Montana, Arizona, South Dakota, Oregon, California, Utah and Washington.
Top 10 contestants of the Dr. Kyle Chase Bacon Memorial Prairie Chicken Dance Special and champion Rod First Strike (center).
Kyle was a member of the Eastern Shoshone Tribe. He was described by his family as a funny and outgoing man with a heart of gold. He received his doctorate in Pharmacy from Idaho State University and made the dean’s honors list. With his degree he served his people. He loved chicken dancing and attending the Eastern Shoshone Indian Days Powwow.
Announcing for the family was Darwin St. Clair Jr., who commended Dr. Bacon for his commitment to education. He thanked the family for inviting him to be a part of the celebration of life and healing.
The contest’s first song had five verses, the first verse was to honor Kyle with a moment of silence.
Rod First Strike said he had learned of the special in May and planned his work schedule as a teacher, teaching belt making classes to attend the special, as well as a family trip for his girls. He did cardio training with the intention of dancing his heart out for Kyle’s family and loved ones.
“During the special, I put every ounce of my heart and mind into my moves. It wasn't just a contest, it was my tribute to the life and family of Dr. Kyle Bacon, my beloved brother,” he said.
Rod First Strike was the champion of the special.
He befriended Kyle at the Qlispé Celebration in Usk Washington, back in 2012.
“He approached me before contest, and shared his admiration for my dance style, as I enjoy putting my whole heart into it. From that moment on, we became friends,” he said.
Their friendship was special.
“Dr. Bacon asked why I always called him Dr. Bacon, I told him, because you worked hard for that, and not many people know how to value such accomplishments about a person. I want people to know you're an accomplished man,” he said. “We shared many nights just visiting, he was a very positive and optimistic person, with a comforting energy. “
First Strike said he still feels an emotional pull from the weekend and he will continue to dance for Dr. Bacon and his family on their path of mourning, as formal tribute for raising such an amazing person, who changed his outlook on life.
“We have a saying in the Cree Language, ‘ahkamayimok’ (ah-ka-me-yea-mohk) it means Keep Going, to persevere, to never give up. I wear it proudly as a Tattoo, a part of my cultural teachings, I extend that to the friends and family of Dr. Kyle Chase Bacon. CHICKEN DANCE BUSINESS!,” said First Strike.
Prairie Chicken dancers compete in the first round.
Kyle’s mother, Annie, said the special was emotional for her, but she now feels lighter and grief lifted.
“I never thought the powwow circle to be healing as it was during this special. Maybe because we are all coming out of the quarantine but it was sure healing and uplifting,” she said.
The event was sponsored by Kyle’s family and friends. Annie said she had many, many thanks to so many individuals near and far.
“My humble thoughts to the dancers and drummers, the Denny family in Utah where Kyle would sit with them at their drum and was our drum for the special. Chicken dance has always been my favorite category and feel all the dancers offered their healing prayers to us all. Our son was certainly there in spirit and I feel he is ready to move onto his next life, maybe as a Doctor as well. Many thank yous to everyone who donated, offered prayers, and their good thoughts. From the Marshalls, Bacons, Jims, Tetons, St. Clairs, and never forgetting his Apache family who are always deep in our thoughts and prayers,” said Annie.
