There is something powerful about gathering with people who share your roots, your values, and a deep appreciation for those who paved the way before us.
During Indigenous Heritage Month, we were asked to serve as media partners for Indigenous Education’s Dancing With the Ancestors Inaugural Gala at the historic Philadelphia Waterworks, and it was an immediate yes for us. Here’s why.
It Was Personal And Cultural
Co-founder and creator of Dancing With the Ancestors, Meredith “She Who Seeks Knowledge” Marshall, and her partner, Tavis “RedTail Hawk” Sanders, first began dreaming of the event in November 2024.
“Tavis and I were talking about what it could look like,” Marshall shared with BrownStyle Magazine, explaining Indigenous Education had existed for fourteen years without ever hosting a fundraising gala. That realization sparked a deeper conversation about what was possible. “During a meeting with our mentor, Erin, she encouraged us to move forward. That push set everything in motion, and we planned our first gala in just 81 days.”
“Sharing our culture with the city filled my heart in a way I had never experienced,” Marshall expressed. Sanders agreed and added, “This was an opportunity to uplift and bring visibility to the incredible people in our community. Many work every day to ensure our traditions are not only remembered but celebrated and carried forward.”
For Marshall and Sanders, it was essential to create a space that honored Indigenous people—a place where they could stand confidently in their identity alongside supporters, allies, friends, and family.
It Honored Our Ancestors And Elders
Every part of the evening was thoughtfully curated. Guests were grounded in tradition by the opening prayer song and traditional drumming performed by the Lenapehoking Reestablishment Project, led by Tyrone Ellis and Lia Gould Ellis, which set a reverent and meaningful tone for the night.
Marshall and Sanders were intentional about honoring and uplifting the elders who continue to carry and protect the culture today, including awarding Chief Mark “QuietHawk” Gould, Tribal Elder of the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Indian Tribe of New Jersey, with the Lifetime Dedication Award.
“Honoring Chief Mark QuietHawk Gould was essential,” Marshall shared. “He helped reestablish our tribe and carries the stories of rebuilding and reconnecting.”
Vaughnda Hilton, Founder and Artistic Director of Native Nations Dance Theater, Inc., received the Ancestors’ Light Award.
“She is a foundational figure in our Philadelphia Indigenous community,” Marshall explained. “Through her organization, she has shared our songs, dances, and culture for decades.”
The evening also included an award presented to Municipal Court Judge Jacquelyn ‘Jacqui’ Frazier-Lyde, along with a powerful keynote address from Dr. Pamela Jolly.
Dancing Left Us Filled With Joy
After the awards, the energy shifted into celebration. Guests connected over food and fellowship before dancing to live performances by Steve McKie and Res (who served as the DJ for the evening).
“Having Steve and Res—both Philly artists—brought deep meaning to the night,” Marshall shared. “It was an honor to have them perform and share their artistry.”
The music sparked a long and fun Soul Train line, with nearly everyone taking a turn—including Chief QuietHawk Gould, who danced down the line like a pro, reminding us that celebration is also part of legacy.
“We hope everyone who attended went home understanding that we are connected to Mother Earth and to one another,” Marshall shared. “When more people move with that awareness, the Earth will benefit.”
The Fashion Told Its Own Story
We would be remiss if we didn’t mention the fashion! Seeing everyone dressed in their cultural best felt like a powerful statement of pride, art, and identity.
The invitation encouraged cultural attire or cocktail dress, and the room reflected a beautiful range of personal and cultural expression. From sequin evening gowns to beadwork dresses, each look told a story. We especially loved seeing the bold accessories, which included turquoise jewelry, feathers, and metallic accents.
A Look Ahead
If you missed Dancing With the Ancestors in 2025, there is more to come. Planning is already underway for November 2026, with a larger venue in mind.
“We hope the gala becomes a signature event for the city,” Sanders shared, noting Dancing With the Ancestors creates a space to advance Indigenous education, preserve culture, and build community visibility. “The response was overwhelming, and we’re confident the next one will be even bigger.”
Sometimes saying yes isn’t just about the event—it’s about alignment. And this night reminded us exactly why we showed up. To learn more about the event for 2026, be sure to visit indedu.org and listen to gtownradio.com.
