After a scintillating performance at the Hornbill Music Festival in Nagaland, Native American performers Siouxsan Robinson and Chokash Nanaiya Owns-Different-Horses from United States put up a dazzling act at the Victoria Memorial Hall’s South Lawn on Wednesday afternoon. Elizabeth Lee, Director of the American Center, introduced the Native Pride Production dancers, who are in visiting East and Northeast India as guests of the U.S. Consulate General Kolkata. The performers seek to inspire, motivate, and empower diverse communities. Through the rich tapestry of indigenous traditions passed down through generations, the mother-daughter duo strive to bridge cultural gaps and promote understanding, through theatrical, engaging, and entertaining performances that celebrate and share indigenous heritage, inclusion and diversity.
“It’s an incredible honor for us to be able to bring Native American dancers to India to share some of America’s diverse culture for such warm and receptive audiences. These two wonderful women represent some of the many Native communities in the United States, and we are excited that they are here sharing their stories and experiences with Indians. We are deeply thankful to the Victoria Memorial, Contact Base, and of course Native Pride Productions for this extraordinary opportunity. Dancers with Native Pride Productions are wrapping up their first tour of India following a whirlwind tour of the Northeast and Kolkata. Following their debut at the Hornbill Festival, we were excited to bring them to Kolkata and to the Victoria Memorial so that many people from this region could experience more of their culture through dance. Beyond their public performances, the dancers have also visited several schools in Nagaland and West Bengal, where they talked to students about diversity, history, culture, community, bullying, and unity. We are excited this mother-daughter duo came to India to share their experiences and expertise, and showcase the some of the extraordinary diversity and culture the United States has to offer. We can’t wait to have them back again.” said Elizabeth Lee, Director of the American Center.
Siouxsan Robinson said “My daughter and I are so excited to be here in India. This is our first time here, and everyone has been so warm and friendly. We have gotten to talk to a lot of people about our culture and our history, and learn about India’s culture and history, too. Performing today in front of the Victoria Memorial was a highlight of our trip. This has been a once in a lifetime experience, and I hope many more people come to India to share some of the wonderful hospitality that I’ve gotten to experience here over the last ten days.”
“I have had so much fun here in India. Dancing at the Hornbill Festival and at the Victoria Memorial are two experiences I never thought I would have. I’ve also liked having the opportunity to talk to people my age, and clear up some of the misconceptions they have about Native Americans. It’s been a great opportunity for us to talk about a lot of things we have in common, and to see what our shared experiences and challenges are. When I go back to the United States, I’ll tell my friends and family about all the wonderful people I met in India.” added Chokash Nanaiya Owns-Different-Horses.
