Cama-i

This weekend here in Bethel, the biggest event of the year is taking place at the high school. It is called Cama-i (pronounced cha-my or ja-my, depending on the dialect of the person that you are talking to). Cama-i is a dance festival.
Here is a description of the festival from the Cama-i website, www.bethelarts.com

Camai is a Yup'ik word meaning "a warm, genuine hello." At this 3 day gathering, 22 dance groups - over 450 dancers, drummers, and singers between the ages of 2 to 92, will celebrate the Yup'ik Eskimo tradition of dance with you. The festival offers cultural renewal and immersion into indigenous dance.

"I dance for it lifts my spirits. I reach out and touch the hands of my ancestors and know that I've come home." - John Active, Bethel

Camai promotes cultural diversity as Native Alaskan, Native American, and international dance groups share in the common language of dance.

"My ancestors danced in thanksgiving for these gifts from Ellam Yua (the creator of the universe) &endash; gifts from the tundra, sea, rivers, lakes, and the sky. They respected each other, loved each other, showed kindness to strangers and shared these gifts freely." -Peter Twitchell, Bethel

Dance preparations are extensive. Knowledge of, and respect for traditional ways is enhanced as the dance troupes prepare for the festival. Elders share old songs and dances, and dancers work together, making elaborate costumes that reflect indigenous traditions and customs.

". . .Yup'ik dancing has been passed down to us by our ancestors since time immemorial, unchanged in its original form and is as important to us now as it was to our ancestors. . ." -Paul John, Toksook Bay

Through dance, song and crafts, the traditions of Alaskan Native tribes are communicated to the audience.

You can go check out all the Cama-i happenings at the website. They even have a webcam going on. There are dance groups from all over Alaska and even international groups as well. I'll post MUCH more about it when I have more time.