Native Americans bring their history to life for school pupils

Last updated 19:49, Thursday, 25 September 2008

POTATO and serpent dances were on the curriculum at Cockermouth School when Native Americans dropped in to teach their ancient traditions.

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Pupils at the school heard from members of the Umatilla, a group of first nation Canadians, about their way of life, history and Native American dances.

One of the most popular is the potato dance – where a couple place a potato between their foreheads and attempt to dance without dropping it.

Genna Campbell, history teacher, said it was helpful to GCSE pupils who study North American life in the period 1840 to 1895.

She said: “They got the opportunity to meet an authentic Native American. It brings the topic alive.”

Alan Blackhorse-Hull, a member of the arts group American West, said: “We have been talking to the pupils about the history of Native Americans and showing them traditional dances, such as the serpent, hoop and potato dances.”

The visit was supported by the Cockermouth School Association and funded by Allerdale Arts Fund and the Cumbria Community Foundation.