Traditions Thrive on Keep It Native Day

Under the rhythm of drums and the scent of sage, Keep It Native Day unfolded as more than just a celebration; it was a homecoming of spirit and story. Elders spoke, youth danced, and generations gathered to honor the lifeways that have shaped the land long before it was mapped or named. They do these things to show our Minarets community that we can unite and show who we are. Keep It Native Day isn’t just for our school; it’s for everyone. We invite other schools and surrounding communities to join us in celebrating Indigenous culture, unity, and learning. As Mike Naylor shared, “We brought college students to come talk to the high school students, and that's something we normally don't do.” The event creates opportunities for connection across ages and backgrounds, making it a truly inclusive and impactful experience.

The drums speak first, low and steady, like a heartbeat rising from the earth. Smoke from burning sage curls into the sky, blessing the space as voices gather, old and young. Feathers catch the sunlight, beadwork glimmers with every step, and stories ripple through the air like wind through tall grass. It’s a day where time folds, where the past walks alongside the present, and the future listens closely. Laughter rings out near the taco stand, while elders share soft-spoken wisdom while dancers move in the circle. Strangers become kin, united by rhythm, by language, by the sacred act of remembering. This is Keep It Native Day, a living, breathing prayer for all that was, all that is, and all that will be. 

As the day winds down and the last drumbeats echo into the cooling air, the bell begins to ring. It stays in the stories told, the songs sung, and the connections made. More than an event, it becomes a promise to carry culture forward, to honor those who came before, and to walk together with pride and purpose. Until next year, the heartbeat continues.

Written by Tobias Glenos

Edited by Josephina Emerson and Lyric Ashton