CELEBRATING INDIGENOUS CULTURE THROUGH THE ARTS
PHOTOS AND STORY BY: REAGAN WHITING Reporter
Weber State University hosted a performance of “Indigenous Soundscapes in Motion” on March 15 at the Browning Center.
“Indigenous Soundscapes” consisted of a collection of traditional songs and dances from several Indigenous cultures in the U.S.
The show was a small glimpse into the diversity of Native American culture.
“Indigenous Soundscapes” started with an opening blessing given by Darren Parry, a Shoshone elder and professor at the University of Utah. Part of the blessing included a plea for the audience to “listen to and learn the lessons that will be taught,” and “listen with your heart.” Parry’s blessing was immediately followed by a musical number titled “Retrouvaille.”
“Retrouvaille” was performed by Hovia Edwards, a Shoshone flutist from the Fort Hall Indian Reservation in Idaho.
According to Edwards, “Retrouvaille” is a song meant to invoke feelings of love and appreciation. Though it has no lyrics, “Retrou-
vaille” left audience members in awed silence before erupting in applause.
The next number, performed by Navajo singer and storyteller Radmilla Cody, was called “The Spirit of a Woman” and had a similar effect. “The Spirit of a Woman” outlined what it is to be a woman and to have the ability to create life. The piece is spoken with hints of flute and cello music in the background.
“For it is the world I carry in my heart, it is the world that I give life,” Cody said.
Cody performed three songs, one of which was sung as a tribute to her relative Klee Jones Benally. The song, called “A Beautiful Dawn,” honored the memory of Benally, a powerful warrior and land defender.
Most of the pieces performed in “Indigenous Soundscapes” centered around feelings of connection both to the Earth and to fellow humans. This feeling of connection to Earth was made obvious through the reactions of audience members, particularly during a piece titled “From the Earth.”
“From the Earth” was a percussion solo performed by Rolando Morales-Matos, a Puerto Rican composer and faculty member at the
Curtis Institute of Music at New Jersey City University. The piece imitated the sounds and feelings of a thunderstorm, starting soft, then raging before turning back to peace. Needless to say, “From the Earth” had audience members hanging on the edge of their seats.
There were several times during the show that the performers took a moment to interact with the audience. One performer in particular, Wayne Silas Jr., appeared to enjoy talking to the crowd.
Silas, a Menominee-Oneida singer, drummer and dancer, performed three love songs. One of these songs, “Pretty Lady,” rapidly turned into a crowd favorite, with audience members laughing out loud at the lyrics.
After the song, Silas said, “It’s all in good fun.”
Of all the numbers in the show, those by the dance group Indigenous Enterprise earned the biggest reactions. The three members each performed a traditional Tribal dance. The dancers fed off the audience’s energy, dancing harder as the cheers grew louder.
4 | CULTURE | thesignpostwsu.com | March 19, 2024
All performers enter the stage for the grand finale of “Indigenous Soundscapes.
POR NELLY HERNANDEZ TEJADA
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PHOTOS AND STORY BY:
REAGAN WHITING
Reportero
La Universidad de Weber State acogió una representación de “Indigenous Soundscapes in Motion” (“Paisajes Sonoros Indígenas en Movimiento”) el 15 de marzo en el Browning Center. “Indigenous Soundscapes” (“Paisajes Sonoros Indígenas”) consistió en una colección de canciones y bailes tradicionales de varias culturas indígenas en los Estados Unidos.
El show fue una pequeña muestra de la diversidad de la cultura indigena.
“Indigenous Soundscapes” comenzó con una bendición inicial presentado por Darren Parry, anciano Shoshone y profesor en la Universidad de Utah. Parte de la bendición incluyó un ruego al público para que “escuche y aprenda las lecciones que se enseñarán” y “escuche con el corazón”. La bendición de Parry fue seguida inmediatamente por un número musical titulado “Retrouvaille”.
“Retrouvaille” fue presentado por Hovia Edwards, una flautista Shoshone de Fort Hall Indian Reservation en Idaho.
Según Edwards, “Retrouvaille” es una canción hecha para evocar sentimientos de amor y aprecio. Aunque no tiene letra, “Retrouvaille” dejó al público en un silencio asombrado antes de estallar en aplausos.
El siguiente número, presentado por la cantante y narradora Navajo Radmilla Cody, se titulaba “The Spirit of a Woman” (“El espíritu de una mujer”) y tuvo un efecto similar. “The Spirit of a Woman” describe lo que significa ser mujer y tener la habilidad de crear vida. La pieza es hablada con toques de música de flauta y violonchelo de fondo.
“Porque es el mundo que llevo en mi corazón, es el mundo al que doy vida”, dijo Cody.
Cody presentó tres canciones, una de ellas en honor a su familiar Klee Jones Benally. La canción, titulada “A Beautiful Dawn” (“Un Hermoso Amanecer”), honraba la memoria de Benally, un poderoso guerrero y defensor de la tierra.
La mayoría de las piezas representadas en “Paisajes Sonoros Indígenas” se centran en sentimientos de conexión con la Tierra y con el ser humano. Este sentimiento de conexión con la Tierra se hizo evidente a través de las reacciones de los miembros de la audiencia, particularmente durante una pieza titulada “From the Earth”.
“From the Earth” era un solo de percusión presentado por Rolando Morales-Matos, compositor de Puerto Rico y miembro de la facultad del Curtis Institute of Music de la Universidad de New Jersey City. La pieza imitaba los sonidos y sensaciones de una tormenta de truenos, empezando suave, luego enfurecida antes de volver a la tranquilidad. No hace falta decir que “From the Earth” mantuvo al público en el filo de sus asientos.
Durante el show, los participantes se tomaron momentos para interaccionar con la audiencia. Uno de ellos, Wayne Silas Jr., disfrutó hablar con la audiencia.
Get Mentoring, Advising & Support! Find free support resources: weber.edu/studentlife
Nanabah Kadenhii of Indigenous Enterprise performing a Hoop Dance on March 15.
By SARIA HARRIS Reporter
Spring break is a highly-anticipated week for every Weber State University student to relax from late-night homework and early morning classes. While students sleep in, WSU’s Neuroscience Program and volunteers go to local schools along the Wasatch Front to host presentations about the brain for Brain Awareness Week, helping kids find their passion in neuroscience and encouraging continued learning.
Brain Awareness Week is an annual, globally-promoted program sponsored by the Dana Foundation that lets neuroscience programs teach K-12 students more about how the brain works. WSU’s Neuroscience Program also holds events at Ogden’s Treehouse Museum where families can register for free to participate in activities to help children learn about and understand the brain. This event provides free, age-appropriate activities that are inclusive for any family to participate in when learning about how human brains function. Each lesson can range from sensory activities, concussion goggles and inspecting a sheep brain.
With the help of WSU students, three other colleges and volunteers, Brain Awareness Week helps recognize the importance of our brains and teaches curiosity for future education.
“Seeing the kids get excited about something that they may not have thought that
they would enjoy before and the activities being really fun for them,” Chandler Peterson, president of WSU’s Neuroscience Club and president of the Nu Rho Psi committee, said.
The Neuroscience Program plans for each presentation from two weeks to a month in advance to ensure quality when presenting to each school. Professors, club members, students and volunteers can participate in the presentations and are provided with proper training and weekly meetings. Students either majoring in neuroscience or wanting to participate for fun can experience student engagement, personal reflection and resume building.
“It’s great practice with if you’re interested in anything where you’re going to do education,” Amanda O’Hare, director and assistant professor of the neuroscience program, said. “That can be not even in a formal school setting but just learning how to explain things in simple ways. Answer their unexpected questions. Great community engagement especially at Treehouse Museum where we’re working with families.”
Children and families participating in the event learn about how the brain works and spark possible interest in neuroscience. Teachers, students and volunteers participating in the event can learn the teaching aspects of neuroscience and make new discoveries about themselves. Moving forward, WSU’s Neuroscience Program will continue to hold events, promotions and involvement with students and families.
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Bradee Dall showing kids optical illusions and explaining how the brain sees things at the neuroscience event in March 2022.
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Las vacaciones de primavera es una semana muy esperada por todos los estudiantes de la Universidad de Weber State para relajarse de los trabajos trasnochados y las clases a primera hora en la mañana. Mientras los estudiantes duermen, el Programa de Neurociencia de la WSU y voluntarios van a las escuelas locales a lo largo del Wasatch Front para realizar presentaciones sobre el cerebro para la Semana de Concienciación sobre el Cerebro, ayudando a los niños a encontrar su pasión en la neurociencia y fomentando el aprendizaje continuo.
La Semana de la Concienciación sobre el Cerebro es un programa anual promovido en todo el mundo y patrocinado por la Fundación Dana que permite a los programas de neurociencia enseñar a los estudiantes de primaria y secundaria cómo funciona el cerebro. El Programa de Neurociencia de la WSU también organiza eventos en el Treehouse Museum de Ogden, donde las familias pueden inscribirse gratuitamente para participar en actividades que ayuden a los niños a conocer y comprender el cerebro. Este evento ofrece actividades gratuitas, apropiadas para la edad, en las que puede participar cualquier familia para aprender cómo funciona el cere-
bro humano. Cada lección puede ir desde actividades sensoriales, gafas de conmoción cerebral e inspección de un cerebro de oveja.
Con la ayuda de estudiantes de WSU, otras tres universidades y voluntarios, la Semana de Concienciación sobre el Cerebro ayuda a reconocer la importancia de nuestros cerebros y enseña la curiosidad para la educación futura.
“Ver a los niños entusiasmarse con algo que tal vez no pensaban que disfrutarían antes y que las actividades sean realmente divertidas para ellos”, dijo Chandler Peterson, presidente del Club de Neurociencia de la WSU y presidente del comité Nu Rho Psi.
El Programa de Neurociencia planifica cada presentación con una antici-
pación de entre dos semanas y un mes para garantizar la calidad de la presentación en cada escuela. Profesores, miembros de clubes, estudiantes y voluntarios pueden participar en las presentaciones y se les proporciona la formación adecuada y reuniones semanales. Los estudiantes que se especializan en neurociencia o que desean participar por diversión pueden experimentar el interés de los estudiantes, la reflexión personal y la construcción de su currículum.
“Es una práctica estupenda si te interesa algo relacionado con la educación”, afirma Amanda O’Hare, directora y profesora adjunta del programa de neurociencia. “Puede ser ni siquiera en un entorno escolar formal, sino simplemente aprendiendo a explicar
las cosas de forma sencilla. Responder a sus preguntas inesperadas”. Un gran compromiso con la comunidad, especialmente en el Treehouse Museum, donde trabajamos con familias”.
Los niños y las familias que participan en el evento aprenden cómo funciona el cerebro y despiertan un posible interés por la neurociencia. Los profesores, estudiantes y voluntarios que participan en el evento pueden aprender los aspectos educativos de la neurociencia y hacer nuevos descubrimientos sobre sí mismos. De cara al futuro, el Programa de Neurociencia de la WSU seguirá celebrando eventos, promociones y participando con estudiantes y familias.
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Sheep brains were used to show kids parts of the brain in a physical way at a neuroscience event in March 2022.
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By COLLYN COWLES Section Editor
Weber State University’s men’s and women’s basketball teams traveled to Boise to play in the Big Sky Basketball tournament with hopes high and hearts set on the Big Sky title.
Women’s basketball
After finishing the regular season with an 8–24 overall record and a 4–14 Big Sky Conference record, Weber State’s women’s basketball team headed into the Big Sky Championship Tournament as the No. 9 seed. Heading to Boise, the Wildcats were matched with Portland State University in the opening round on March 9.
The tournament began with a stumble, as the Wildcats found themselves trailing the Bobcats in the first quarter with their only 4 points coming from free-throws. The Wildcats surged ahead during the second quarter and outscored the Vikings 26–6, heading into halftime with a 30–22 lead.
The Wildcats managed to maintain their lead through a closely-contested second half, narrowly outscoring the Vikings 32–31 and secured the first win of the tournament.
“It’s a big win for the program, and I’m really proud of our group and the way they bounced back after that first quarter,” head coach Jenteal Jackson said. “We’re happy to get the win, we’re feeling good, but we want the next one.”
Leading the Wildcats was Jadyn Matthews with 13 points and seven rebounds, Amelia Raidaveta with 14 points and five rebounds and Daryn Hickok with 11 points and eight rebounds.
After defeating Portland State, the Wildcats were matched with No. 1-seeded Eastern Washington University. Heading into the tournament the Eagles finished the regular season with a 27–5 overall record and a 16–2 Big Sky Conference record. Eastern Washington and Weber State faced off twice earlier this season with the Eagles coming out on top in both matchups and outscoring the Wildcats 130–92.
Despite Eastern Washington being high favorites, the Wildcats kept up with the fastpaced game Eastern plays. Heading into half-
time both teams were evenly matched with both scoring 16 in the first period and 9 in the second.
In the second half the Wildcats kept shooting the ball and managed to have a 11-point lead over the Eagles after a deep 3-pointer from Jadyn Matthews. As the end of the
game etched closer and closer, the Wildcats fell short of defeating the best team in the conference as Eastern Washington outscored Weber 24–12 in the fourth quarter and defeated the Wildcats 71–58.
“I learned from a young age that basketball is a game of runs,” Hickok said. “Just as
easy as your team can make a run, it’s just as easy for the other team to make the same run; it’s important to maintain the same emotion and to have the same fire of emotions even if you’re up or down,” Wildcat forward Daryn Hickok said.
Men’s basketball
Meanwhile, Weber State’s men’s basketball team embarked on their own quest for glory, as they laced up to face Montana State University for the second year in a row in the first round on March 11.
Weber State finished the regular season with a 20–12 overall record and a 11–7 record in Big Sky Conference games. Montana State was heading into the tournament as backto-back tournament champions and the fifth seed with a 15–17 overall record and a 9–9 conference record.
The Wildcats found themselves locked in a fierce battle against the Bobcats, as both teams traded blows throughout the first half. The Wildcats had a 34–25 lead over the Bobcats heading into halftime.
The Bobcats mounted a valiant comeback, and Weber State ultimately fell short 91–82 to Montana State. Succumbing to a barrage of three-pointers that shattered the Wildcats dreams of the Big Sky title. The Bobcats outscored the Wildcats 66–48 in the second half as Montana State hit a total of 13 3-pointers and shot 48% behind the arc.
“We kept saying that we needed to limit their 3s and limit their attempts and some of those they made were deep and over hands, at that point we got a little panicked on offense and tried to played a little too fast and they were able to get the separation,” head coach Eric Duft said.
Looking to the Future
Even though this basketball season came to a close with losses from both the men’s and women’s teams, next season will bring a brand new start to Wildcat basketball. Both Jackson and Duft will have new talent for both the men’s and women’s teams as freshman players make their way onto the court.
8 | SPORTS | thesignpostwsu.com | March 19, 2024
Amelia Raidaveta in possession of the basketball.
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Alex Tew attempting to stop Montana State from dunking on March 11. TOP: Daryn Hickok on the rebound for Weber State. BOTTOM: Weber State’s women’s basketball team celebrating their win at the Big Sky Tournament.
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Los equipos de baloncesto masculino y femenino de la universidad Weber State viajaron a Boise a jugar en el torneo de baloncesto Big Sky con aspiraciones altas y corazones enfocados en el título Big Sky.
Baloncesto femenino
Después de terminar la temporada regular con un récord de 8–24 sobre todo y de 4–14 de la conferencia Big Sky, el equipo de baloncesto femenino de WSU empezó el torneo de campeonato Big Sky con la calificación número nueve. Al entrar Boise, los Wildcats enfrentaron a la universidad Portland State en la ronda primera el nueve de marzo.
El torneo empezó con un tropezón, los Wildcats se encontraron retrasando contra los Bobcats durante el primer cuarto con solo cuatro puntos que vieron de tiros libres. Los Wildcats adelantaron durante el segundo cuarto y superaron a los Vikings 26–6, terminando la mitad con una ventaja de 30-22.
Los Wildcats pudieron mantener su ventaja durante una segunda mitad muy contestada, ganando con un puntaje de 32–31 y alcanzando su primera victoria del torneo.
“Es una victoria grande para el programa, y estoy muy orgullosa de nuestro grupo y la manera en que se recuperaron después del primer cuarto”, dijo la entrenadora Jenteal Jackson. “Estamos felices de tener la victoria, nos sentimos buenas, pero queremos la próxima”.
Dirigiendo los Wildcats estaban Jadyn Matthews con trece puntos y siete recuperaciones, Amelia Raidaveta con catorce puntos y cinco recuperaciones y Daryn Hickok con once puntos y ocho recuperaciones.
Después de vencer a Portland State, los Wildcats enfrentaron a la universidad Eastern Washington, el equipo con la calificación número uno. Al empezar el torneo, los Eagles terminaron la temporada regular con un récord de sobre todo de 27–5 y 16–2 del torneo Big Sky. Eastern Washington y Weberstate se enfrentaron dos veces antes durante esta temporada con la victoria yendo a los Eagles ambos veces así que tenían puntaje de 130–92 contra los
Wildcats.
A pesar de que Eastern Washington era el favorito, los Wildcats iban a la par del tiempo rápido que juegan los Eagles. Al pasar la mitad del partido, ambos equipos estaban igualados con 16 puntos durante el primer cuarto y de nuevo durante el segundo.
Durante la segunda mitad los Wildcats siguieron tirando el balón y alcanzaron una ventaja de once puntos después de una tira larga de tres puntos de Jadyn Matthews. Al
cercar el final del partido, los Wildcats faltaron en vencer el mejor equipo en la conferencia cuando Eastern Washington superaron a Weber 24–12 durante el final cuarto y derrotó a los Wildcats 71–58.
“Aprendí desde pequeño que el baloncesto es un juego de carreras” dijo Daryn Hickok, delantero de los Wildcats. “Tan fácil como tu equipo puede hacer una carrera, es igual de fácil para el otro equipo hacer la misma carrera, es importante mantener la misma
emoción y tener el mismo fuego de las emociones, incluso si estás arriba o abajo”, dijo el delantero Wildcat Daryn Hickok.
Baloncesto Masculino
Mientras tanto, el equipo masculino de baloncesto de Wever State se embarcó en su propia búsqueda de la gloria, ya que se ataron los cordones para enfrentarse a la Universidad Estatal de Montana por segundo año consecutivo en la primera ronda el 11 de marzo.
Weber State terminó la temporada regular con un balance global de 20-12 y un 11-7 en partidos de la Big Sky Conference. Montana State llegaba al torneo como campeona consecutiva y quinta cabeza de serie, con un balance global de 15-17 y un 9-9 en la conferencia.
Los Wildcats se vieron inmersos en una feroz batalla contra los Bobcats ya que ambos equipos intercambiaron golpes durante toda la primera parte. Los Wildcats llegaron al descanso con una ventaja de 34-25 sobre los Bobcats.
A pesar de montar una valiente remontada, Weber State finalmente cayó 91-82 ante Montana State, Sucumbieron a un aluvión de triples que hizo añicos los sueños de los Wildcats de conseguir el título de la Big Sky. Los Bobcats superaron a los wildcats 66-48 en la segunda mitad mientras Montana State anotaba un total de 13 triples y disparaba un 48% detrás del arco.
Seguimos diciendo que teníamos que limitar sus tiros de tres y limitar sus intentos, y algunos de los que hicieron fueron profundos y por encima de las manos, en ese momento entramos un poco en pánico en ataque y tratamos de jugar demasiado rápido y a pesar de eso fueron capaces de conseguir la separación”, dijo el entrenador Eric Duft.
Mirando al futuro
Aunque esta temporada de baloncesto llegó a su fin con derrotas de los equipos masculino y fememnino, la próxima temporada traerá un nuevo comienzo para el baloncesto de los Wildcats. Tanto Jackson como Duft contarán con nuevos talentos para los equipos masculino y femenino, ya que los jugadores de primer año entrarán a la cancha.
10 | SPORTS | thesignpostwsu.com | March 19, 2024
Daryn Hickok high-fiving kids before the basketball game against EWU.
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March 19, 2024 | thesignpostwsu.com | SPORTS | 11
Top: Members of the Weber State Women’s Basketball team (Daryn Hickok, Jadyn Matthews and Ashton Adamson) in the crowd watching the Men’s game to show support. Bottom left: Blaise Threatt taking the ball down the court at their game against Montana State. Bottom right: Daryn Hickok passing in the ball to Weber State teammates.
Dyson Koehler playing offense for Weber State.
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12 | SPORTS | thesignpostwsu.com | March 19, 2024
TOP LEFT: Daryn Hickok passing the ball to one of her teammates. TOP RIGHT: Dillon Jones on offense for Weber State University. BOTTOM RIGHT: Laura Taylor on defense against Eastern Washington. BOTTOM LEFT: Coach Jenteal Jackson and player Jadyn Matthews addressing the media at the post-game interview.
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14 | NEWS | thesignpostwsu.com | March 19, 2024 DECIDE TO LEAD. ©2023 U.S. ARMY. PAID FOR BY THE U.S. ARMY. WE GIVE YOU THE SKILLS. YOU DECIDE WHERE THEY TAKE YOU. Make the most of your potential with training, tools, and mentorship. Develop your skill set while pushing your abilities to the next level. For more info about Weber State Army ROTC, contact Clyde Ratliff at (801) 626-8609, or email clyderatliff1@weber.edu. Visit us at weber.edu/rotc.
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