Piscataway Nation vibrantly shares American Indian culture

Published 11.19.2023

Photos by Cindy Davis Meixel, writer/photo editor

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    The Piscataway Nation Singers & Dancers, who carry on the long-standing traditions and culture of their Indigenous ancestors, traveled to Penn College for a Thursday performance in Penn's Inn.

    More than 50 people attended the educational and entertaining event – many as active participants – helping the college observe National American Indian Heritage Month.

    Chief Mark Tayac, the 29th generation of hereditary chiefs, spoke of the many contributions made by American Indians (the term preferred by him and the troupe) – including Earth Day and lacrosse, which are enjoyed today in other forms.

    Theirs is a proud culture, he said, and such public appearances help dispel the unauthentic media images from western movies, cartoons and sports mascots.

    Alumnus Joseph M. Harber (’11, radiography) of Tomahawks taco restaurant in Mifflinburg, catered the after-event, including smoked turkey cornbread, venison chili cornbread, squash sauce cornbread and maple cornbread. 

    Harber enjoyed meeting Christine L. Eckenrod, radiography director, and Allen R. Smith, radiography clinical director, as they moved through the food line.

        Drums represent “the heartbeat of life,” says Chief Mark Tayac (left) who performs with his son, Naiche Tayac (right) and Pete Coe.
        Drums represent “the heartbeat of life,” says Chief Mark Tayac (left) who performs with his son, Naiche Tayac (right) and Pete Coe.
        The “Grand Entry Dance” begins the performance in Penn’s Inn, as the late afternoon sun sets west of campus.
        The “Grand Entry Dance” begins the performance in Penn’s Inn, as the late afternoon sun sets west of campus.
        The Tayacs share their noble traditions with interested onlookers.
        The Tayacs share their noble traditions with interested onlookers.
        Referred to as a “brave young man” by Chief Tayac, Nate Woods Jr., special assistant to the president for inclusion transformation, is invited into a warriors’ power exchange with Naiche Tayac. (Woods was to dance toward Naiche and touch his shoulder, “opponents” greeting each other.)
        Referred to as a “brave young man” by Chief Tayac, Nate Woods Jr., special assistant to the president for inclusion transformation, is invited into a warriors’ power exchange with Naiche Tayac. (Woods was to dance toward Naiche and touch his shoulder, “opponents” greeting each other.)
        The Fancy Shawl Butterfly Dance is demonstrated by Katy Isennock, from the Rosebud Sioux Tribe.
        The Fancy Shawl Butterfly Dance is demonstrated by Katy Isennock, from the Rosebud Sioux Tribe.
        A circle of friends engages in November fellowship.
        A circle of friends engages in November fellowship.
        Coe, from the Northern Ute Tribe, dances with nods to nature – including hair from a porcupine and a white-tailed deer – in his intricate outfit.
        Coe, from the Northern Ute Tribe, dances with nods to nature – including hair from a porcupine and a white-tailed deer – in his intricate outfit.
        Coe soars in the Eagle Dance. While he and Isennock are not part of the Piscataway, he said they perform together like family. "It is our job to educate people out in the community to understand our culture and history."
        Coe soars in the Eagle Dance. While he and Isennock are not part of the Piscataway, he said they perform together like family. "It is our job to educate people out in the community to understand our culture and history."
        Chief Tayac meets alumnus Joseph M. Harber (left), who shared post-performance sustenance from his restaurant.
        Chief Tayac meets alumnus Joseph M. Harber (left), who shared post-performance sustenance from his restaurant.

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