We recently attended the World Hoop Dancing Championships in Phoenix. It was a fantastic experience. The athleticism is remarkable, and the long history behind the dancing traditions of Indigenous People made it an amazing two days.

One of the saddest aspects in American history is the unconscionable treatment of indigenous Americans. For generations, European-based cultures, once they established dominance, tried to destroy every vestige of native culture, language, and religion. Culminating in our own Holocaust-like genocide.

Most Americans never understood the extent of violence leveled against the native people. Nor do they realize the extent to which Native Americans are represented in the American military both today and throughout history despite this treatment.

It was a delightful experience to witness this cultural display.

There were moments when the master of ceremonies injected humor into the competition. Humor demonstrates the double-edged sword of adapting to the majority culture in today’s world. The host told jokes of competitors who were unable to attend because they had been detained by ICE.

And while the stories were intended to be humorous, there was a palatable sense of the irony that those who were here first would be considered intruders in their own land.

The crowd laughed, but it was like how we all make jokes about dying. The humor is an analgesic against the painful reality.

But if you ever have a chance to see a Hoop Dance, you’ll not regret it.