Photos by Kathleen Connelly
Punahou fourth graders gathered in Twigg-Smith Pavilion for a vibrant and meaningful Powwow presentation by the Ho‘opili Tribal Council.
In the weeks leading up to the visit, students prepared in both their classrooms and music lessons. Under the guidance of Dr. Karen Drozd, Music Specialist for Grades 2 – 5, students explored the purpose and cultural significance of intertribal Powwow dances and songs. They learned that songs and dances specific to individual tribal nations are considered private and often sacred, and therefore are not shared in Powwow settings. Instead, intertribal dances – many created within the last 120 years – are performed to bring communities together. Fourth graders also practiced flute melodies on the recorder, performed Orff arrangements and studied songs commonly heard at Powwows.
Fourth graders also immersed themselves in a Native American tribal studies unit in their classrooms. Through research and discussion, they examined how geography, resources and historical events shaped tribal communities across North America. They also explored the lasting impacts of colonization and relocation, while recognizing the resilience of Native nations through the preservation of culture, language and identity.
The Ho‘opili Tribal Council’s visit brought this learning to life. Performers including Nathaniel Bearsheart captivated students with traditional hoop dancing, while Kai Bevett, Honolulu Intertribal Powwow 2026 Junior Teen Warrior, performed traditional dances alongside his father, Dr. David Bevett. Other members also shared dance, regalia and storytelling, offering students a firsthand look at living cultural traditions.
The presentation reinforced an important lesson: the cultures students study are not simply part of the past, but vibrant, evolving expressions of identity today. Mahalo to the Ho‘opili Tribal Council for sharing their time, talent and traditions with our students and strengthening their understanding of the deep connections between land, culture and community.