JOURNEY the LEGACY
DEER CHASER
Native American Dance Troup
of the Great Plains
(Download PDF)
How We Began:
Conceptualized at the request of a prominent PA college in 1993, Deer Chaser began its mission of introducing the Philadelphia area to the living and distinct culture of the Great Plains tribes through the music, dance, and art of their children. Demand for repeat performances and encouragement from the children and elders of the South Dakota reservations, Deer Chaser began an annual tradition of interactive educational programs which have consistently enriched the lives of participants on both sides. Native youth who participated in the Deer Chaser Tour have attributed their experience as a reason for continuing their education and career development.
Who Are Chosen:
Each year, Native American students are chosen by their schools to share their heritage with their peers in states on the East coast. These children, among the most impoverished in the nation, are exposed to vast diversity unknown on reservations; they see that there are limitless opportunities beyond reservation borders and that there is a potential for a functional support system. In turn, their program and interaction with your school students facilitates a true understanding that complements and extends Native American lessons to include contemporary Native America in a very personal way.
Where Our Children Come From:
- Six of the poorest counties in the US are on Indian reservations in South Dakota.
- Has the highest unemployment rate in the country, now 85%.
- Highest high school drop out rate and lowest academic achievement in the US.
- A youth suicide rate four times higher than the national average.
- Lowest life expectancy for men in the western hemisphere, except for Haiti.
- Highest homeless rate in the US.
"Participating in NMAI programming was not only of the highest professional quality, but they have also proven themselves to be honorable ambassadors of the Lakota culture."
"Deer Chaser is transforming the lives of its audiences as well as those of its performers."
- Country Day School of the Sacred Heart
"This is my 26th year teaching, and I've never had so many students and staff members come up to me and say what a wonderful and inspiring program they thought it was."
- Doreen Black, Clinton Public School
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Please allow these children to continue this important experience that contributes so much to building their self-esteem necessary to enable a future with hope.
Mother Earth, plant and animal life possess many virtues that help our people. The deer possesses the virtues of wisdom, bravery, fortitude and generosity. The name, Deer Chaser, represents the pursuit of these virtues that are needed to walk in balance and harmony within creation.
If you are interested in sponsoring a program at your local school, please contact:
Mrs. Sandra Cianciulli
DEER CHASER
250 Bryans Road
Norristown, PA 19401
Ph) 610-279-5738
Sandi_c524@hotmail.com
Or contact:
Marvin Clifford, Founder & Executive Producer
Deerchaser4@aol.com
or Ph) 505-565-2416
Kate DeRiel (Philadelphia area)
Ph) 610-446-8383
Pam Abaza (Philadelphia area)
Ph) 215-996-9029
Deer Chaser Brochure
(Download PDF)
Deer Chaser is a Project of Circle Legacy Center
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