Performers performing a southern cloth dance
Fry bread tacos being handed out
Students standing and smiling
A group photo of all in attendance

Students, staff, and faculty learned about Native American culture during a day of dancing, music, and eating fry bread tacos on November  18, 2025.

Along with members of his family, Navajo and Hopi fashion designer and dancer Arley Washington demonstrated different dances done at powwows, like the round dance and grass dance. He grew up in Southern California, and told attendees that going to powwows as a youth kept him connected to his roots.

“I’ve definitely performed and shared my culture everywhere — that's why it’s been an honor and privilege to share this with everyone here,” said Washington, who danced in a Michael Jackson video and at Knott’s Berry Farm.

He also learned how to make Native American clothing and accessories and do beadwork, and brought several items with him to show the crowd, including headdresses, or head roaches, made from porcupine and deer hair; a rawhide shield; deerskin leggings; flutes; colorful breechcloths; and breastplates.

His mother, Marjorie Webster, a former SBVC student, performed a southern cloth dance, and told attendees that this is a way to honor ancestors.

“We dance for people who can’t and when I dance, I pray for those who aren’t with us,” Webster said.