Sunnybrook hosts Native American Eagle Dance

Sunnybrook at Mt. Pleasant Assisted Living hosted Native American Eagle Dancer Rudy Vallejo Tuesday afternoon.

Vallejo danced around half a buffalo hide with feathers across his back and bells on his feet while dancing to music representing freedom, honor and war.

Residents were given a chance to take part in the dances.

As they began to join in, Vallejo placed a timber wolf hide over a women's head and a fox over another. Participants circled the buffalo, every so often, they would shout, representing a war cry.

Vallejo gave Sunnybrook residents an interactive presentation covering Native American culture, history and traditions.

His presentation focused on the traditional Native American dances. He also covered his own family history, being a part of the Kickapoo tribe from Kansas. His grandma was part of the Kickapoo and his Grandpa Potawatomi.

For Vallejo, he's glad that he can give presentations like this as it reminds him of when he was a kid.

"It's so nice to come out and talk to the people about the Native American tribes," he said. "I remember when I was a young guy and going to school, and in the early grades like second and third, this was a long time ago, of course. They would talk about Columbus discovering America, Europeans or the West. I thought, where are the Native Americans. To come out and let kids know, I think that's a good thing."

Marketing Director Cody Flietner said that programs like this are suitable for the residents as it allows them to learn.

"I think it's a great lineup for diversity and entertainment we offer here," Flietner said. "We do programs called lifelong learning, and while the residents are here at Sunnybrook, we bring events and entertainers like this. It's good entertainment, but also something you can take away from the presenter."

Comments: hunter.moeller@southeastiowaunion.com