Happy Dancing! International Dance Day is celebrated annually on April 29th to promote the art of dance and to raise awareness about its cultural and social significance. Dance has been an essential part of human culture for centuries and has been used as a form of expression, communication, and celebration in various communities worldwide. We Indigenous are among those who have a deep connection to dance, as it is an integral part of our culture, life, and imagination.
For we Indigenous, dance is more than just a form of entertainment. It is a way to connect with the spiritual world and to express gratitude for the gifts of nature. Indigenous dances are often performed during important ceremonies and rituals, such as the powwow, which is a gathering of Indigenous people to celebrate our heritage and culture. The powwow is a time to honor our ancestors, celebrate life, and connect with the community.
A favorite is a dance in the old style, with a doeskin dress and moccasins, because it has a powerful impact on my health and well-being. This is because traditional clothing and footwear are made from natural materials, such as animal hide and fur, which allows my body to absorb the earth's electrons. This process, known as "grounding" or "earthing," has long roots in Indigenous traditions, has been studied scientifically, and has numerous health benefits, including reducing inflammation, improving sleep, and boosting the immune system.
Dancing in traditional styles allows a connection with the land and the ancestors, reflecting the cultural heritage of my Indigenous Cohanzick people. Dancing this way enables tapping into the wisdom and energy of my ancestors and honoring my traditions and way of life.
In addition to the physical and cultural benefits, dancing in the old style is a profoundly spiritual experience. The rhythmic movements of my body, combined with the drum's beat and the singers' chanting, create a trance-like state that allows me to connect with the spiritual world and receive guidance and healing.
Dancing in the old style with traditional clothing and footwear is a powerful way to promote optimal health and well-being, both physically and spiritually. It is a way to honor the past, connect with the land and the ancestors, and celebrate the richness and diversity of my culture.
One of the important dances in Indigenous culture is the Eagle Dance. This dance is performed to honor the eagle, which is considered a sacred bird in many Indigenous traditions. The Eagle Dance is performed by men and women, who dance in a circle around  the drum. The dance movements represent the soaring flight of the eagle and the connection between the physical and spiritual worlds.
Another important dance in Indigenous culture is the Hoop Dance. This dance is performed by a single dancer who uses multiple hoops to create intricate and symbolic shapes. The Hoop Dance represents the interconnectedness of all things in nature and the importance of balance and harmony.
Dance is not just a performance art for Indigenous, but also a way of life. It is used to teach important values and traditions to younger generations, as well as to heal physical and emotional ailments. The healing power of dance is particularly important in Indigenous communities, where historical trauma and ongoing social and economic disparities have led to high rates of mental and physical health issues.
In Indigenous imagination, dance is also closely connected to storytelling and mythology. Many Indigenous stories feature dancing as a central theme, such as the story of the Sun Dance, which is a ceremony that honors the sun and involves fasting, prayer, and dancing. The Sun Dance is a way to connect with the spiritual world and to seek guidance and healing from the ancestors.
In conclusion, dance is vital to Indigenous culture, life, and imagination. It is a way to honor the past, celebrate the present, and connect with the spiritual world. On International Dance Day, let us recognize the importance of dance in all cultures and celebrate the diversity of human expression. Here is a link to some of our Pow Wow videos: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLg0Nn3Z-HylFLhffZPSSwwrNeXIy1CCxQ

​Happy Arbor Day! Did you know that Arbor Day, the annual celebration of trees, is a time to reflect on the importance of these magnificent plants and their vital role in our lives. As we mark this occasion, let us take a moment to appreciate the beauty and majesty of trees, as well as the many benefits they provide us.
For starters, trees are the ultimate air purifiers, absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen, which is essential for our survival. They also provide shade on hot summer days, reducing the need for air conditioning, and protecting our homes from strong winds and storms. Trees also play a critical role in preventing soil erosion and promoting biodiversity, providing food and shelter for a wide range of wildlife.
But trees are not just important for their environmental benefits; they also have a significant impact on our quality of life. Studies have shown that living in neighborhoods with ample trees and greenery can reduce stress and improve mental health. Trees also enhance property values and create a sense of community pride.
As we celebrate Arbor Day, let us commit to planting more trees, protecting existing forests, and nurturing the green spaces that make our communities healthier, more beautiful, and more sustainable. Let us also acknowledge the vital role that trees play in our daily lives and the critical importance of preserving our natural resources for future generations.
So let us raise our shovels and our watering cans in honor of Arbor Day, and let us continue to cherish and protect the magnificent trees that make our world a better place. Happy Arbor Day to all!
https://www.tygouldjacinto.com/

Dear valued community members,
We have raised 95% of the goal of $900,000, for our new nature reserve. We're writing to you today to request your support for the remaining $50,000.
Our Native American community's role as stewards and keepers of the land is of paramount importance in today's world. As one of the earliest inhabitants of North America, we Native Americans deeply understand the land and its resources. Through our traditional knowledge and practices, we have shown an exceptional ability to sustainably manage the land for generations.
Today, as we face the dire consequences of climate change and environmental degradation, the need for sustainable land management practices is more significant than ever. By empowering our Native American community to become the guardians of the land, we can tap into their unique knowledge and practices to promote Mother Earth's healing and ensure our planet's sustainability for future generations.

As you may know, our Native American community has faced numerous challenges over the years, from loss of land and businesses, poverty and underfunded educational systems, and limited access to resources. Despite these hardships, we remain committed to preserving our culture and traditions and ensuring a better future for our children.
This reserve is a symbolic homecoming because it lies within the traditional homestead of Chief Mark "Quiet Hawk" Gould's direct ancestors. His grandfather's actual historical home is pictured, and the location is mentioned in the book about Mark's mother, "Strong Medicine" Speaks: A Native American Elder Has Her Say, written by Amy Hill Hearth, a New York Times, Washington Post, USA Today, and Publisher's Weekly bestselling author.
Marion “Strong Medicine” said: "I feel lucky to be living in the land of my ancestors and not on a government reservation far away. The connection to the land is very strong for Indian people. To us, it isn't where we live, it's who we are.
I know I am walking the same piece of earth that my ancestors did, going back ten thousand years. I know their bones turned to dust under my feet and someday, mine will, too. It's the natural order of things."
“Marion Strong Medicine is surprised and concerned at the number of new houses that have popped up in Burden’s Hill.” “She greatly cheered, however, that more than eighteen hundred acres of land in the Burden’s Hill Forest were recently saved from development, thanks to a partnership between four private and public entities.”
From the book Strong Medicine Speaks: A Native American Elder Has Her Say, copyright 2008 by Amy Hill Hearth. Used with permission.

This is truly a homecoming for our community.
We rely on the support of individuals and organizations like you to achieve these goals. Your generous donations can significantly impact our community members' lives, helping us fund essential programs and services. With your support, we can provide our youth with quality education and training, build more robust educational programs, and promote economic development initiatives to create jobs and opportunities for the community.
Land repatriation is an issue that strikes at the very heart of social justice and human dignity. For centuries, we Native American communities have suffered under the unjust loss of our ancestral lands, which has resulted in the disruption of our cultural practices and traditions. By donating to land repatriation efforts, you can play a critical role in supporting our Native American community as we work to reclaim our cultural heritage and restore our connection to the land.

Exclusive Offer: Gift with NAAC Membership!
Purchase a Native American Advancement Corp (NAAC) membership and receive a gift from us.
Membership Benefits could Include the following:

• Event Invitations
• Discounts for our products
• Access to a wide variety of cultural events, classes, tours, and workshops
• Advance notice of exhibits and events
• Purchase a membership at the Sustaining Level or above and receive special hands-on lessons.
  

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Members are the heart and soul of a nonprofit like NAAC. Our Members provide critical support to our mission.

Gift memberships are also available!

At checkout, place the following in the "order notes" box: Please note that this is a gift membership - and provide the recipient's name, address, phone number, and email. They will be sent a gift membership package.

We thank you in advance for your support and invite you to join us in our mission to create a better future for our community. Together, we can make a difference and bring hope to those who most need it.

Sincerely yours,

Tyrese "Bright Flower" Gould Jacinto, Nanticoke Lenape Tribal Citizen
President, CEO, and Founder of Native American Advancement Corporation

Photos and quotes in this letter are from Strong Medicine Speaks: A Native American Elder Has Her Say, copyright 2008 by Amy Hill Hearth. Used with permission.