If you happened to be driving down Bloomingdale Road in Akron towards the Tonawanda Indian Reservation on May 3rdand thought you heard thunder...fear not! It was the sounds of native drumming. The Disaster Emergency Response Team (DERT) from the Tonawanda Indian community sponsored it's first Smoke Dance Competition and Intertribal at the Community Building on May 3 rd.

DERT was formed as a result of the October storm in 2006 when many in the community found themselves without heat and food. As we all know the storm affected all of us here in Western New York but the Tonawanda Indian community did was they do best. They came to the aid of each other, feeding many at the Community Building and getting help to as many others as they could. This effort highlighted the need for a long term strategy in the event of any future emergency situations. The DERT organization was founded. Led by Maggie Smoke as President and Brenda Skenadore as Treasurer, the group met regularly to come up with ways to plan ahead. Sheldon Sundown liked the idea of hosting a Smoke Dance competition as a means of fundraising for the purpose. The committee of approximately 30 people worked diligently to get the event off the ground. It was a huge success!

With people coming from as far away as Sudbury, Canada in full regalia, the dancing was lively and spirited and the singing rang out and filled the air. Everyone enjoyed themselves as there was competition amongst the Tiny Tots, the Boys and Girls, Men and Women along with a host of special throughout the day. Elders were honored with a special meal. The building was filled with spectators and vendors. The women cooked fry bread and Indian Tacos till their hands could no longer move. The sense of fellowship and commitment to their fellow man was nothing short of amazing. People from other reservations listened with great interest as Sheldon Sundown, who was the Master of Ceremonies for the day, explained how DERT was formed. Many felt it might be a concept that could work for them as well.

By the end of the day the committee was exhausted but left with a sense of accomplishment knowing that the next time there is a disaster or an emergency for a member of the community, they would be ready and able to help.