We now live in a society that’s focused more on the “current” and the “new”, forgetting all the beautiful roots of our culture. It’s a sad reality that we need to admit, but then again, we should never speak in general, right?
There are still some people, groups, organizations, especially the “indigenous peoples” that we all know about who are still preserving the old culture.
In fact, according to Wikipedia:
“Peoples are usually described as Indigenous when they maintain traditions or other aspects of an early culture that is associated with a given region. Not all Indigenous peoples share this characteristic, as many have adopted substantial elements of a colonizing culture, such as dress, religion or language. Indigenous peoples may be settled in a given region (sedentary) or exhibit a nomadic lifestyle across a large territory, but they are generally historically associated with a specific territory on which they depend. Indigenous societies are found in every inhabited climate zone and continent of the world except Antarctica. It is estimated that there are approximately five thousand Indigenous nations throughout the world.”
This video is just one of the many proofs that there are still some people who are paying respect to where they came from, may it be family or cultural tradition.
The beautiful moment of respect took place at the Iowa Powwow back in 2014.
It’s actually an annual event that’s being hosted by the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma. Since the video was uploaded online, it has already amassed over 4 million views with tens of thousands of likes, and over a thousand beautiful comments of praises.
In the Iowa language, the members of the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma call themselves Baxoje (Bah Kho-je), which means “People of the Grey Snow”.
According to the Bahkhoje website – the Iowa Powwow is a weekend full of dancing, dance competitions, singing, feasting. Most importantly, it’s the time where they celebrate life and fellowship. They also added:
“This is the time when veterans, chiefs, royalty, and dancers make a grand entrance into the sacred arena. Flags are carried by veterans to honor our fallen, retired, and present veterans.”
The young man in the video is Lance Corporal Marland Trey Kent.
He was asked to join in the event that year and he didn’t decline the invitation. Aside from taking part in the celebration, he was also given the chance to carry the American flag during the Friday ceremony.
What stood out during the event was when he participated in what seemed to be a traditional dance.
While proudly donning his uniform, Lance Corporal Marland Trey Kent takes the center field and starts dancing traditionally as a part of the ceremony. Beside him is a man wearing Native American attire and he is not just an ordinary man.
He is Corporal Vincent Kent and he is Lance Corporal Marland Trey Kent’s father.
He’s also there to take part in the celebration of the Bahkhoje people and he’s also on active duty as his son.
It may not be the most spectacular display of dance moves that you’ll see on the internet but the story itself of the dance is meaningful. As the video’s description explains,
“This is also a changing of the guard, Native American style, which is the story we are telling in our dancing. “
Pretty soon, other participants of all ages start to follow them and join in the traditional dance.
The internet showered the father and son with lots of praises in the comment section of the Youtube video. A viewer wrote,
“I cried when I saw this man dancing in a uniform. I could feel just how prideful and honored he felt for his roots, and to me that’s one of the most beautiful ways to display your heritage! I love it!!”
While this one commented:
“Seeing this brings back memories… to see an Iowa dance;., And, I am proud to be from my multi cultural home state of Oklahoma It makes me feel good to see 2 warriors.”
Watch this father and son in their beautiful representation of Native American culture in the video below.
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