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RED KETTLE PROMOTES POSITIVE INFLUENCE THROUGH TRADITIONAL MUSIC




He Dog singers participated in the St. Francis Indian School Veteran’s Honoring Wacipi. Courtesy photo.

He Dog singers participated in the St. Francis Indian School Veteran’s Honoring Wacipi. Courtesy photo.

HE DOG SCHOOL – Gabe Red Kettle is a 23-year-old native of the Sicangu Lakota Tribe. He is a 2014 graduate of Todd County High School. His Lakota name is Hehaka Ho Waste which means “Good Voice Elk”. He has been singing since he was 15 years old. During the early part of the 2018-2019 school year, it was determined that we would Indigenize our music class by offering Drum and Wicaglata class. We are thankful that Gabe answered our call to come help our young male relatives find their strength in singing and help promote Native American music through drum class.

Since being at He Dog the young male relatives involved with drum group have become more familiar with Lakota Veteran, pow-wow and ceremonial songs. Along with learning traditional songs, Gabe also teaches our male relatives how to conduct themselves, how to be a good relative, and how to compose themselves as singers. He also acknowledges others in a good way and models how to take care of and acknowledge the drum as a relative.

Young ladies from He Dog school learning the art of Wicaglata from Timpsila White. Courtesy photo.

Young ladies from He Dog school learning the art of Wicaglata from Timpsila White. Courtesy photo.

When asked how he liked working with our He Dog relatives Red Kettle replied, “I enjoy teaching the students. They have an amazing attitude and don’t seem to ever get tired of singing which is good for the Cante (Heart). The songs of our ancestors tell a story or have a teaching. Learning a song in Lakota helps understand and speak the language. This is the most important part of drum class. To help our young relatives to understand and speak the Lakota Language. This helps them have an understanding and connection with all that is living.”

Gabe is also part of the pow-wow circuit as a grass dancer. Gabe works with local elders and is learning the Lakota language and other traditional teachings from members of the Aske Gluwipi Tiospaye (They wrap their braids) in the community of Spring Creek. Everything he learns he passes onto the students he works with.

He Dog drum group was asked to lead the Cancer awareness walk on October 11, 2019 hosted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe’s Community Health Representative (CHR) Program. They were also invited to the Veterans Powwow at St. Francis Indian School on November 8, 2019. He Dog 5th-8th grade drum class will start making their first recording.

The He Dog singers led the CHR Cancer Awareness Walk in Rosebud. Courtesy photo.

The He Dog singers led the CHR Cancer Awareness Walk in Rosebud. Courtesy photo.

Gabe feels the most rewarding part of his job is seeing the interest of each class grow.

“They are so willing to keep learning and perform at local events,” Red Kettle said. “Most importantly they are helping keep the Lakota language alive and spoken.”

Gabe is doing an outstanding job with the young male relatives at He Dog when it comes to teaching them traditional songs and music. He is also a positive, sober male role model. He Dog is very fortunate to have him.

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