Native American Dancer's Energetic Show Mesmerizes Crowd

8039 Beach Blvd.
Buena Park, CA
knotts.com
714-220-5200

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By C. MacDonald

One of the best shows at any California Amusement Park is the Indian Trails Live Act featuring a Native American Dancer on the stage next to Ghost Town at America's Oldest Theme Park--Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park. That's where Gary Wiskigeamatyuk, a proud member of the Prairie Band of Potawatomi Nation, entertains and educates school children and all other fascinated guests with the authentic dance and culture of Native Americans.

Gary said he performs on the Indian Trails Stage from Thursday through Monday. Times may vary. You can find out more about this amazing dancer/storyteller at wiskigeamatyuk.com. You also can Google: "Prairie Band of Potawatomi Nation."

Gary's powerful performance of the American Indian Hoop Dance captivates audiences as he spins, adds rings around him and explains the true tradition of his tribal people while native drums add suspense and drama to the spectacle.

The knowledgeable, energetic 37-year-old, who lectures at Bowers Museum in Santa Ana and was present at the Peace Signing of religious leaders for the United Nations, comes from a long line of tribal leaders, many of whom are featured in a photo collage near the Trails Stage.

Walter Knott was always interested in "keeping alive" our nation's heritage and Gary's mesmerizing performance, which includes some Potawatomi language and capably passes on the heritage and respect for the culture, would make Knott very happy indeed.

Gary has a forceful, yet friendly way of communicating his story and he capably answers all questions from small students and everyone else, who are awed by his skills and heritage. Young students asked wonderful questions like "How was the name ‘Indian' created?", "What was the importance of horses to the Indian?", "How did you learn the do the Hoop dance?", "What was important to your tribe?" and "How many tribes are there in California?"

Among the values of the Potawatomi are the promotion and celebration of tradition, language and education; to treat all with equality; to promote a healthy quality of life for everyone and to respect the value and wisdom of tribal leaders.

Gary explains how the Prairie Band of Potawatomi originated in the Great Lakes area and how they ended up in Kansas. He had a young school girl take the stage and he taught her how to hoop dance and look like an Eagle in flight. He explained what each hoop stood for.

After his exhausting act, Gary graciously met with fans who wanted to talk with him. Some were Indians from other tribes, who had questions about the Native American languages or their own relatives.

Indian Trails, a two-acre area that presents the culture and traditions of Indians, opened in 1992 and Gary has been performing there since 1993. Knott's Berry Farm sought to offer more educationally and culturally oriented entertainment than other parks, and has demonstrated a strong commitment for caring about our country's heritage. Providing such incredible, educational entertainment helps all of us better understand the diversity that makes America great.

We highly recommend that you visit Knott's and see the "Native American Dancer" Show. It's something you will always remember. Be sure and share your experience with friend and family.

As Gary told one Navajo guest who spoke to him: "Ha-Gon-A" ("see you later" in Navajo).