Honoring Tradition Through Teaching: Making Stomp Dance Cans Classes
- Josemiguel Gomez
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
For Native Nations, cultural knowledge is carried through generations by teaching, observation, and care. Traditions are not simply practiced; they are learned with intention, respect, and responsibility. Providing opportunities for youth to learn cultural skills in a guided and supportive setting is an important part of sustaining that continuity.
The Making Stomp Dance Cans Classes, hosted by the Quapaw Nation Family Services Youth Program, offer tribal youth an opportunity to learn the traditional process of making stomp dance cans while gaining an understanding of their cultural importance. These classes are designed to support cultural learning in a respectful environment that values patience, mentorship, and shared knowledge.
Open to tribal youth ages 5–24, the classes welcome participants of all experience levels. Youth will work hands-on with provided materials and receive guidance throughout the process. Parents and guardians are encouraged to attend and assist, reinforcing the role of families in cultural learning and support.
Events such as these are important because they create space for cultural teachings to continue in a way that is intentional and accessible. As daily life changes and communities become more dispersed, structured opportunities help ensure that traditional knowledge is passed on thoughtfully, rather than lost over time. These classes help strengthen identity, confidence, and connection to community.
In addition to cultural learning, hands-on activities support youth well-being by encouraging focus, creativity, and collaboration. Learning together fosters respect for tradition while building meaningful relationships between youth, families, and mentors.
The Making Stomp Dance Cans Classes will take place February 28–March 1, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, at the Ki-Ho-Ta Center in Miami, Oklahoma. The class is free of charge for eligible youth and is sponsored through a federal grant from SAMHSA.
Additional event details, including contact information, are available on the Quapaw Nation calendar:
Through programs like this, the Quapaw Nation continues to support the respectful teaching of cultural traditions while uplifting the next generation.
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