Meet Adniel

-Tell us about you! What are some of your favorite things

Its complicated to say what my favorite things are to do because i'm always experimenting. So i always find stuff i like but one of the things that i love to do since i was a kid is looking at the stars 

Where do you Live

Currently im living in south philadelphia PA

What nation/clan (if applicable), Who are your people?

   Zapotec (bëni leaj)

Where is your nation's Territory?

Oaxaca,Mexico 

What language is spoken within your nation/people?

zapotec

What is your favorite traditional meal? What does it consist of?

You got me again, I’m gonna mention few because i can't choose one

Mole Generally, a mole sauce contains fruits, nuts, chili peppers, and spices like black pepper, cinnamon, or cumin.],chapulines(grasshoppers),atole de pinole rojo this delicious drink is just made with corn and decorate with a top of a mixture of corn,cacao and achiote

-How do you stay connected to your culture after generations of colonization?

I'm coming from a small indigenous community i was raised with a lot traditions that i didn't understand until i came to the usa.  when i started to reconnect i started to understand everything from when i was little so i'm trying to keep those traditions and  trying to relearn my lenguaje and i'm learning a lot more thru aztec dance 

-What is something you wish more people knew/understood about your people and your culture?

That we are not a costume or just folklore. that everything that we do has a purpose. we expose our culture to the public and its artistic parts because we can be artist too Also, so more of our community can start to reconnect  and get close while reconnecting,  so they can start they own journey 

Where can ppl find you?

Instagram-

Personal 

@adnielavendano

Merch- Shop indigenous!  

@Nocheztli_Clothing

Order Custom Screen Prints

@latziyela_prints

Follow the Danza Group

@canpatlanezi

See More from The Danza Group Below

Meet HAnnah

-Tell us about you! What are some of your favorite things?

I love to create. Painting, sculpting and making things like jewelry, wands, dreamcatchers, or whatever comes to mind. I love being in nature and scavenge for my own materials to work with. I also love making music. I play ukulele, sing and I’m teaching myself bass guitar. But most of all I love being a mom 

Where do you Live?

I am a guest on Lenapehoking (Delaware) 

What nation/clan (if applicable), Who are your people?

Oglala Lakota but I also descend from Northern Cheyenne and Potawatomi                            

Where is your nation's Territory?

Pine Ridge, South Dakota 

What language is spoken within your nation/people?

Lakota

-What is your favorite traditional meal? What does it consist of?

Fried bologna…naaaaaah jk 

I didn’t grow up in culture so there’s a lot I haven’t had yet but I’m a sucker for soups/stews with frybread, of course! My favorite Waháŋpi is made with Buffalo and root vegetables such as potatoes, turnips and carrots. When I was a kid my Unčí (grandma) used to make me eat Thíŋpsiŋla (turnips) and I hated them at the time but now that she’s gone I eat them and I feel close to her like I’m sitting with her at her table talking and laughing. 

-How do you stay connected to your culture after generations of colonization?

I just started my reclamation journey this past year but I’ve been healing my relationship with my family, connecting with kin, learning what I can of my language, spent some time in the Black Hills and on the Rez. I want to learn to bead, dance Fancy Shawl and I hope to attend Ceremony in the spring and summer. 

What is something you wish more people knew/understood about your people and your culture?

We’re still here. We have always been and always will be warriors. Despite the ongoing effects of colonial violence we are fighting for our culture, traditions, for the land, the waters, our sovereignty. We fight for the future generations so that they inherit a better life and also for those who came before us to honor the sacrifices they made for us to be here. Everything is done for the love of our people. The čhíȟila is the word we use to say, “I love you” but it actually translates to, “I’ll suffer for you.” 

Where can ppl find you?

@phoxyladee 

Holler atcha, girl 

Meet pomaika’i

-What's your name, friend?

Pomaikai

-Tell us about you! What are some of your favorite things

I love to work with the community and work together creating events to bring people together for an inspirational time. Also teaching kids cultural practices and showing how to make a living while doing what you love. Samoan Fireknife Dancing is what I love to do and teach everyday. And most of all spending the most time can with my family and friends

-Where do you Live

In Hawai’i on the island of Kaua’i 

-What nation/clan (if applicable), Who are your people?

                             I am many different people in one. Here on Kaua’i and in Hawai’i we do have many different polynesians like Hawaiians, Samoans, Tongans, and much more. But here I have been raised through Hawaiian culture and mixed with others. But in my blood I also have Blackfoot Indian, mixed polynesian( I do not know the exact type of polynesian ), Creole Spanish, Swahili African American, Chinese, Filipino, and even french.

Where is your nation's Territory?

I am a kānaka maoli ( Born and raised on island) of the Island of Kaua’i. And the whole island chain of Hawai’i is the peoples territory

What language is spoken within your nation/people?

Hawaiian and Hawaiian Pidgin, Filipino,

-What is your favorite traditional meal? What does it consist of?

Laulau consists of Pork, fish, and chicken wrapped in taro leaf and steamed

-How do you stay connected to your culture after generations of colonization?

I practice and make my living daily by expressing my culture and teaching who i come in contact with

What is something you wish more people knew/understood about your people and your culture?

People Just want their rights to their own lands, food, water, and resources and the people not be exploited for monetary gains that do not even support the local communities, especially with our lands and culture.

Where can ppl find you?
On the Island of Kaua’i or Find or message me on my Webpage www.legacyentertainmentproductions.com, on Instagram, Facebook, and Youtube