AIA/ICE performers to be honored at Night of Champions

By Brendan Switts

Tonight, thousands will congregate at the Munn Ice Arena for the American Indian Activities (AIA) and Induction and Ceremonial Events (ICE) Committees’ Night of Champions. Held from 8:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., the event will focus on honoring those who competed throughout the week and those that have excelled in their particular events.

AIA Conference Vice Chief Brandon Sinclair cannot wait for this event. “The reason why I got interested in the Order of the Arrow as a young Scout was because of grass dancers in my lodge,” said Sinclair. “Because of that, I’m excited for all the young Arrowmen that are going to witness American Indian activities for the first time. I hope that they leave inspired and excited with an appetite for further involvement.”

To open the evening, the rock band Indigenous will perform. Indigenous has won the Native American Music Award for album of the year, group of the year and best pop group. Following their performance, the Grand Entry will play songs from the best Northern and Southern drums in the Order.

AIA will host their dance competition finals, featuring the top ten of every dance type: traditional, grass, fancy, old time Sioux and prairie chicken, in what is shaping up to be an incredible event.

ICE will honor those that performed the best during the ceremonial evaluations throughout the week. Those who earned recognition will be awarded medals for their effort. Arrowmen are invited to come celebrate their peers’ successes and achievements. Arrowmen in attendance will also be able to witness the national standard for what a ceremonies or dance team should be.

ICE Conference Vice Chief Keith Roscoe is extremely excited for this aspect of the occasion.

“The Night of Champions is an opportunity to recognize those arrowmen who value the moments where it does start with us,” Keith said. “From the Pre-Ordeal ceremony to a candidate’s first exposure to American Indian dancing, each of these experiences in an Arrowman’s life represent an important first for him, a first that may just help him identify his place in our Order. Tonight is about celebrating these moments and recognizing those who have put the effort to make them the best that they can possibly be.”