Gifferd Osborne instructs chokecherry dance class to Shoshone-Bannock youth
Gifferd Osborne explains the chokecherry dance history to attendees on December 8.
By LORI ANN EDMO
Sho-Ban News
FORT HALL — Local Shoshone-Bannock youth learned how to do the chokecherry dance, along with the shake dance and buffalo dance December 8 at Timbee Hall with Gifferd Osborne instructing.
Osborne explained to the boys who turned out to participate, the three ceremonial dances must be done together with the shake dance first, then the buffalo dance followed by the chokecherry or feast dance. The dances are generally done in the winter – the shake dance mimics the sage grouse, while the buffalo dance is similar to the way the buffalo moves, at times pawing and the feast or chokecherry dance is prayers for renewal. There are specific songs for each dance and there not intended for powwows, they’re ceremonial, he emphasized.
He asked Chasen Coby from Spring Creek Singers to pray in the Shoshone language – pray for all, for those not able to make it and for the food.
Youth putting their tail pieces down at the class.
Gifferd wanted things done in a good way. “It’s a teaching, no one is going get paid,” to do the dances and it’s good the participants came to learn.
Kayla and Coleman Dann organized the event so the young people can come together and practice. Kayla said her heart was in the right place and the warbonnet dance leader (Osborne) was alright with it.
They want the little guys to carry it on and they wanted to see the ceremonial dances carried on. Coleman said his father danced it. They wanted the young men to learn, know what they need to do. “Don’t be shy out there and get out there and dance,” he said. They were happy with the turn out.
Cailen Dann getting ready to dance.
The Spring Creek Singers sang the songs. After the participants were instructed, a birthday song was sung as a round dance was conducted.
Food was served at the conclusion that Kayla and her family provided. Other community members also provided donations. Glenda Marshall made the chokecherry pudding for the chokecherry dance.
Chokecherry pudding.
Kayla and Coleman have been teaching other dance classes and they said they’ve had a lot of young kids participate.
