At the luncheon recognizing the 10th Anniversary of Arizona Water Settlements Act, the AChem A’al (We Children) dance group performed traditional songs and dances. While performing a dance about water, the dancers invited members of the audience to join them and many did.
The members of AChem A’al are from the Gila River Indian Community and perform traditional songs and traditional Akimel O’odham Basket Dances to keep their culture alive. Young dancers learn to appreciate their culture by practicing it through songs and dances. AChem A’al was founded in 1999, and since then many of the dancers have participated in cultural events throughout the U.S., including the Grand Opening of the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian in 2004.
