Prior Lake, Minnesota - Native American youth will celebrate Dakota culture with a dance exhibition and art show for the general public on Friday, May 2, 2008, at the Shakopee Senior High School auditorium. The public is invited to be the guest of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community at the exhibition presented by Community children and youth in handmade regalia dancing to the songs of the Little Six Drum Group. An art show by Community children and youth will explore through creative means what it means to be Mdewakanton Dakota.

Each year Community youth celebrate Dakota heritage with Young Native Pride, a free event which celebrates Native American culture, traditions, and spirituality through song and dance. Students and their family members along with SMSC staff have worked toward the performance for months. They have made regalia consisting of beadwork, appliqué, ribbon work, and moccasins, and have practiced dance styles including fancy feather, fancy shawl, traditional, grass, and jingle.

There will be two performances in the auditorium at the Shakopee Senior High School on Friday, May 2, 2008. The first performance, at 1:17 p.m., is for students. The second, at 7:00 p.m. is a free performance for parents, the Community, and the public. The evening event will last about an hour. Refreshments will follow. If you have any questions or a need for further information, call (952) 445-8900.

Shakopee Senior High School is located at 100 17th Avenue West, Shakopee, MN 55379.

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