Arizona Public Radio | Your Source for NPR News
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Native Americans Put Digital Spin On Traditions Amid Virus Outbreak

britannica.com

People who live in Native American communities across the country are organizing online and social-distancing pow wows and posting videos of healing dances to offer support during the coronavirus pandemic.

Indian Country Today reports community song and dance have always been a part of health and prayer for Native Americans. And now they're putting a digital spin on these traditions. Jingle dress dancers are sharing videos on YouTube and Facebook from Arizona, Montana, the Dakotas and elsewhere.

Facebook groups like Social Distance Pow wow are connecting dancers, vendors and others.

In Wisconsin, jingle dress dancers and singers performed outdoors on the Bad River Reservation over the weekend. Community members watched from their cars.

Related Content