First Nations Teen Hoop Dances to Raise Awareness on Autism and Other Issues

First Nations Teen Hoop Dances to Raise Awareness on Autism and Other Issues

So inspiring to see what one person's actions can do for a community! The London Free Press recently interviewed River Christie-White, a 15-year-old First Nations teen who travels across Canada and the United States, spreading awareness about autism and the lack of support for children and families with special needs on reserves.

A hoop dancer, Christie-White uses the traditional art to lobby for inclusion and connect with other special needs kids. He runs his own organization, Hoops for Hope, and recently picked up an award for his efforts from London city council.

“Going through elementary school, I was bullied a lot. I decided that I was going to try to stop that from happening to other people,” said Christie-White, from the Oneida Nation of the Thames southwest of London.

And here's a great video of River dancing for his local city hall.

River Christie-White Hoops for Hope Sharing in the Song and Dance indigenous

I did not see a website for his organization but did I see a Facebook group out there if you'd like more information!

Check out River Christie-White's Autism Awareness Campaign: https://www.facebook.com/groups/673378056087485/

About Toyacoyah Brown

Toyacoyah Brown is an enrolled member of the Comanche Nation, currently living in Chicago. She received her B.A. in Journalism from the University of Oklahoma and an M.A. in Media Studies from the University of Texas at Austin. When she's not scouring the Internet for fun things to share with PowWows.com readers you can find her digging for vinyl in her local record store or curling up with a good book.


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