In the O’odham language, vaila or waila means dance. Vaila is also known by many as chicken scratch, a type of music and social dance that brings everyone together for a good time. For many Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community members and those of sibling tribes, vailas are significant throughout their whole lives. 

There are several bands throughout Salt River who play chicken scratch today. 

Molina Music performed at the Salt River Schools Vaila Night, which included dinner, soda with security and a turkey giveaway. The security team hosts is social soda withs security event often during the school year. The vaila was hosted by the Education Native Language and Culture team along with the Safe Schools and Security team on Dec. 18.

The event was designated for learning about holiday well-being and situational awareness. Although the night was intended to be informational, guests still had a blast.

SRS staff graciously donated frozen turkeys to be raffled off throughout the night. A cumbia contest got the crowd moving, with the winner receiving a free ham.

The night ended with cheers from guests throughout the last song, concluding a successful event.