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Kevin Abourezk: Ponca Tribe passes heritage to new generation





Kevin Abourezk reports on efforts by the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska to ensure traditions are passed on to younger generations:
This is their grandfather's song, and these are his grandchildren, singing as a way to honor their ancestor.

They sing Standing Bear's song so they will be remembered, because it's sometimes easy for others to forget they're still here.

The smell of burning sage and the sound of drums fill the former church sanctuary, where the five young men huddle around a drum listening to Steve Laravie talk about seeing models dressed in feathers and buckskin.

"Why are they mocking us?" he asked. "Because they think we no longer exist. They think we're a thing of the past."

The 31-year-old wants to change that.

Get the Story:
Kevin Abourezk: Ponca songs finding new voices (The Lincoln Journal Star 3/12)

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