Wheeler Opera House to host Native American programming in December

The Wheeler Opera House will host two significant Native American programs in December, starting with the fifth annual Shining Mountains Film Festival on Friday, Dec. 1, and Saturday, Dec 2.

The festival is presented by the Aspen Indigenous Foundation and was started in 2019 to commemorate the first anniversary of Aspen passing a resolution removing the celebration of Columbus Day and replacing it with Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

The festival provides a platform to educate non-Native American communities about the history and struggles of Native Americans while also sharing the rich cultural traditions, talents, wisdom, and traditional ways of these communities.

The festival opens with a Blessing Prayer by a Ute tribe member. Festival organizers aim to bring as many film directors, producers, and talent for live audience forums after each screening. There is also a live dance performance exhibition and genuine Native art for sale in the lobby area. Awards will also be handed out for best long film, best short, and audience choice.

On Sunday, Dec. 3,  the Wheeler will present a special afternoon matinee performance by Native Pride Productions at 1:30 p.m. The performance will showcase an innovative blend of modern and traditional Native American dance styles. Feel the excitement and experience the artistry of Native Pride Productions dancers as they perform flamboyant movements passed down by their ancestors through song and dance.

Native Pride’s performances incorporate information about the dances, the regalia (dress), and the meaning and importance of the dances and utilize traditional and contemporary music to engage audience members. Audience members can expect to see dancers in beautiful Native American regalia, including vivid assortments of brightly colored ribbons, feathers, beads, and furs — all of which honor their nations’ elders and the legacy of their traditional arts. 

Larry Yazzie is the founder and artistic director of Native Pride Productions and is a two-time world champion fancy dancer. Yazzie grew up on the Meskwaki Settlement in Tama, Iowa, where he learned the traditional ways of his ancestors.

“By sharing life stories through music, dance, and storytelling, we nurture meaningful communication among all people,” Yazzie said.

Tickets for Native Pride Productions are $28 for adults and $18 for kids under 18 and are on sale now at the Wheeler Opera House Box Office (970-920-5770/ aspenshowtix.com). The Wheeler Opera House is located at 320 E. Hyman Ave., Aspen, Colorado.

For more information about these and other upcoming events at the Wheeler, visit Wheeleroperahouse.com