Ojibwe Dance Expo Held at Hayward Jr and Sr High School

Submitted Article

Pics by Amanda Scheel

On Thursday, November 7th the Hayward High School hosted an Ojibwe dance expo coordinated by Amanda Scheel and Michael DeMain for high school and middle school students and staff to attend. 

Dylan Bizhikiins Jennings was the master of ceremonies for the event while music was provided by LCO Singers. Michael DeMain and Eddie Benton danced Woodland style. Hayward High School student Maymangwa Garcia danced Contemporary Jingle while Old Style Jingle was well represented by LCO Ojibwe School student Ally Larson, LCO community member Indaanis DeMain, and Hayward High School student Lexie Sullivan.

LCO community member Savanah Larson, LCO Ojibwe School student Summer DeMain, and Little Miss Honor the Earth 2024 Didaadinookwe Dishaw all danced Women’s Fancy Shawl. Ambrose Day-Bideau did Men’s Grass Dance. Women’s Scrub dancers were Bad River community member Sasanehaeh Jennings and Hayward High School student Julia Pettibone. Men’s Fancy Dance was performed by Carmine Day. The dance expo was closed out with the fish dance and swan dance that included participation from the audience.

Chi-miigwech to the Lac Courte Oreilles Tribal Governing Board and Hayward Community Schools for coming together to provide students and staff with this important education and cross-cultural exposure. Miigwech to the beautiful dancers, drummers, and singers for lending your talents to this important endeavor of bridging the gaps between our communities.