Shyama-Priya will provide an introduction to Pow Wow and lead participants in a yoga warm-up, intertribal step and traditional -Jingle-Grass- session. Shyama-Priya will also speak about regalia and the importance of beading.
The session is free and open to all UBC students, faculty and staff.
Hosted by VPS Health Promotion and Education & HR- Health and Wellbeing and Thrive
About Shyama-Priya: I began my journey of learning to pow wow dance as a teen. Dancing helped me in many ways to build confidence, it gave me a purpose and gave me a sense of self. I am Celtic Icelandic and Indigenous descent from my mothers side, which from my understanding is Cree. From my late dads side I am Bihari. Having mixed heritage and questions being raised about identity, I have had to ask myself why I dance? There are many people who feel lost and unsure of where they come from or where they fit in. Dancing connected me to my spirit. It connected me to a part of myself that goes beyond the physical reality. My daughter who is a mix of Mohawk, Bajan and my mix is one of the main reasons I feel inspired to share the teachings. Sometimes we meet people who see something in us, that we don’t see in ourselves. When I met Coast Salish dancer Curtis Joe over 20 years ago, aka my uncle, he sat down beside me and invited me to join pow wow dance class. He showed me the importance of having an instructor who takes the time to help others realize their own potential. By taking the time to teach the steps as well as the meanings behind the dances we can then pass those on to others. My mom is gifted in design and colour combining, she has designed and made all my regalia. Our gifts are our blessings and to honor our gifts, we must share them. Learning to dance changed my life and even if one person finds connection to themselves by learning then I feel I have honored what was shared with me.
Connect with Shyama-Priya at https://www.facebook.com/shyamapriyapowwowclasses/
Posted in Health & Wellbeing
Tagged
- HR
- Wellbeing
- Healthy UBC