A special performance took place at Salt River Schools in February.

On February 5, the Education Native Language and Cultural team hosted a night of traditional storytelling at the Accelerated Learning Academy lecture hall. Stories were told by Culture Teacher Teresa Gonzales and Culture Specialist Hilary Smith. 

Before the storytelling began, guests were invited into the cafeteria for a light meal. As the food was being served, the cafeteria filled with families and friends eager for the special performance that was about to begin. Girl Scout cookies were also available for sale outside the auditorium.

In the lecture hall, Salt River Elementary School students were preparing for their roles in the stories. This year, Smith shared the Piipaash story “Xathlyway and the Fat Xma,” narrating as students acted it out. After the first story was shared, the process continued as Gonzales narrated “Why Ban is the Color of Sand.”

The student actors received special recognition not only for their acting talents but also for their hard work and dedication that went into the staging and costumes.

The night ended with flowers and congratulations from families, friends and supporters.