The mesmerizing sound of American Indian songs and the beating of drums Saturday filled Coffin Sports Complex at Haskell Indian Nations University.

For the second year, Coffin was the site of the New Dawn Native Dancers Christmas Dance and Powwow.

âÂÂItâÂÂs just sort of a dance program and a big Christmas party,â said Bruce Martin, director of New Dawn, an American Indian youth dance group.

The party, which began at 1 p.m. and was scheduled to continue until 11 p.m., included song and dance performances by American Indian youth groups and adults, dance contests, intertribal exhibitions and even a visit from Santa Claus.

Also performing at the event were The Royal Valley Indian Club from Hoyt and Operation Eagle from Bartlesville, Okla.

âÂÂOur kids are meeting kids from other places who have the same interests they do,â Martin said. âÂÂThis is about carrying on our heritage and traditions, so these songs and dances will continue.âÂÂ

John David Ballard, 10, Miami, Okla., is helping to carry on the tradition. He was invited as the head singer for the dance.

âÂÂI love it,â said John, whoâÂÂs been singing all his life. âÂÂItâÂÂs kind of like a hobby to me.âÂÂ

Michelice Slowman, 14, Lawrence, a New Dawn dancer, said she had been dancing since she was a baby. She estimated she knew at least 100 dances.

Tekakwitha Key, 15, Lawrence, has been dancing only a year, but sheâÂÂs already hooked.

âÂÂItâÂÂs fun, and you get to meet a lot of new people,â she said.

Glen Levier, 56, Mayetta, enjoyed watching the younger generations.

âÂÂI grew up in a boarding school in South Dakota, and I wasnâÂÂt allowed to practice my culture,â he said.