Copyright © 1998 NLThomas
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MICHIGAN: The relaxing "Fireside" gathering with Kevin Locke and Reuben Fast Horse took place at the private home of Mardy Oeming in Saginaw, Michigan. The public was invited to the gathering to hear Kevin Locke, a Lakota, of the Standing Rock Reservation in South Dakota, speak of the Lakota culture. It was also a meeting for those of the Baha'i Faith. Kevin Locke dedicates his life's work to Baha'u'llah. The gathering was held in conjunction with school presentations, as arranged by the Wheatland Music Organization. Kevin and Reuben are scheduled to appear at several Michigan community schools.

Kevin Locke is known throughout the world for his indigenous traditional Northern Plains flute, as well as an inspiring Hoop Dancer, storyteller, educator, and recording artist. Kevin's special joy is "working with children everywhere, especially on the reservations and reserves, to ensure the survival, growth and well-being of Indian culture". His own children, daughters Kimimila and Waniya, son Ohiyesa often join him on stage in song and dance and along with children from the audience.

Reuben Fast Horse opened by singing in the Lakota language and playing his hand made ceder flute. The rich tones and haunting melody captured the attention of all present. The songs meanings were explained as well as a demonstration of the drum beat that would have normally been heard in the background, first demonstrating the all too familiar movie and television version of the "Indian drum" beat! Thoughts on where it might have come from were shared. The sound of chuckling was heard when Reuben said off handily that it probably came from some old beer commercial. A high light of the evening came when Reuben sang one of the songs from the "Kid's Pow Wow Songs" album by the Black Lodge Singers, of the Blackfeet Indian Nation. Fred Flintstones familiar, Yaba Daba Doo rang through the room! This brought smiles from all and especially from the children in attendance.

Kevin Locke spoke of Lakota beliefs in conjunction with world wide beliefs comparing the similarities. One of the examples given was the story of the "Great Flood" which is similarly told in many cultures. Kevin holds a Master of Arts degree in Educational Administration from the University of South Dakota. He spoke of the "Arts" and the fact that there is no word for "art" in the Lakota language. Where many cultures use art to entertain and as an escape, it is a part of everyday life in the Lakota culture. It was explained that one of the reasons the people were put here was to create not just useful items but incorporating designs that also reflect the Lakota culture as well as reflecting the personality of person creating the item.

Kevin honored all who attended by sharing a Lakota Prayer Song" by voice and on his beautiful ceder flute. There was simply not enough room for a demonstration of the hoop dance. In closing the 23rd Palms was presented in sign language as it was done when the Christian religion was first introduced to the Lakota people.