‘Quyana Night’ Celebration Rings In Alaska Federation of Natives Convention

Every step and song represents a history and culture one move at a time. It's an appreciation of the past that the Imamsuat dancers know all too well.

Tools

By Corey Allen-Young

Story Created: Oct 20, 2011 at 1:45 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Oct 20, 2011 at 1:45 PM AKDT

It is the largest gathering of native people in the country—the Alaska Federation of Natives Convention officially kicked off Thursday, Oct. 20.

Thousands of Alaska natives will discuss and debate current issues in rural and urban Alaska.

But first, a cultural celebration helped ring in the annual gathering—Quyana Night.

The excitement of watching the dances and hearing the music is almost beyond description. Every step and song represents a history and culture one move at a time. It's an appreciation of the past that the Imamsuat dancers know all too well.

Having once lost their ancient songs, they are forging ahead with the help of others to entertain and start new traditions.

“There was a time we weren't dancing on Kodiak. With the help of other cultures in Alaska –the Yup’ik and the Tlingit—we've been able to revive,” said Loren Anderson of the Imamsuat dancers.

Loving what they do, the dancers lift the spirits of all who surround them.

“Quyana Night is a big night and it’s just fun to see all the other dance groups and get different ideas,” Anderson said.

It's a powerful and spiritual experience that transcends time and draws the crowd in.

The dances and music of Quyana Night lasted until 11 p.m. Wednesday and another showcase will be featured Thursday at the Dena'ina Civic and Convention Center in downtown Anchorage starting at 7 p.m.

You have indicated this comment should be removed.

Close

The comment has been submitted for review. Thank you .

IMANATIVE said on Tuesday, Oct 25 at 12:37 PM

Hello, I would like to thank the White residents of Alaska for letting me and the Native Corporations buy up all of the Land around that once gave you access onto state and federal land. Soon we will have all of the land purchased and traded in back room deals and you will be forced to find alternate access onto your own land...

75851147
Inappropriate? Alert Us!

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 1000 Characters Left

KTVA CBS 11 | Anchorage, Alaska News and Weather and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum.
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.