Supaman Flies in to Frazer

Landing in Frazer last Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 7, was not a bird, not a plane. Nor was it Superman. Rather, to the delight of students and staff of the school, it was Supaman, Christian Takes Gun Parrish, an award winning Native American dancer and hip hop artist.

Opening with a prayer in his native Apsáalooke before students in grades kindergarten through 12, teachers and staff, Supaman began his presentation with a message of respect, for his audience and his and their histories. He immediately brought the crowd actively into the show, asking them to high-five and compliment their neighbors. He spoke to them of the importance to him of sharing his culture, especially during Native American Heritage Month.

Takes Gun Parrish drew oohs and aahs from the crowd dancing the contemporary "fancy dance" after presenting a lesson on the history of the dance and the full traditional regalia he wears, adopted from Oklahoma. He explained to the enraptured audience how he dances for his people, and all the Native people, while keeping his heart in the right place, as taught to him by his grandfather. The dance was performed in honor of all the missing indigenous women and children across the state and country.

Displaying an array of performing talent, Supaman, as an aspiring comedian, took time to share some jokes with the crowd, drawing some good-natured groans but mostly laughter.

Further demonstrating his artistic range, he gave a beatboxing demonstration as well as playing a traditional Native American flute, looping the musical sounds on his equipment before launching into his famous "Prayer Song." Drawing from a love of different musical genres, Takes Gun Parrish encouraged students to, "open your minds and experience other cultures."

Supaman then shared his own personal history of growing up on the Crow Agency reservation with alcoholic parents and going into foster care at a young age, not understanding yet living in the shadows of colonization history. He spoke of adapting to his situation and of how addiction affects families, "Addiction breaks the hearts of those who love you."

Speaking of his lived reality of the ups and downs of recovery, he told the story of his parents getting better, the family reuniting, and the relapse of his father, which led to the taking of his own life. But Takes Gun Parrish stressed how the experience was a wake-up for his mother. He praised her for never drinking again. In keeping with his message of hope and respect, Supaman shares that he has never drank nor touched drugs, yet passes no judgment on those who do. He expressed a desire to share his message and experience with all the people, but especially the Natives.

His presentation then arced up into the successes he has enjoyed in life, being asked by Taboo of the Black Eyed Peas to collaborate on a rap in Takes Gun Parrish's native language. He regaled the crowd with his stories of attending the MTV VMAs , wearing his war bonnet, representing all his people. Sightings of and interactions with stars such as Cardi B., Kendrick Lamar, and Nicki Manaj drew admiring gasps from the assembled students. Supaman stressed his message of hope and fortitude, that young people can do anything, no matter where they are from. "Only your own mind can stop you," he told them.

When it came time for the student participation portion of the presentation, Supaman asked for seven volunteers. No shortage of hands shot up in the air, anxious to join the hip hop star. Eventually nine were chosen and each was asked to contribute a sound which was immediately looped into a beautifully unique song. Students were able to participate in and enjoy creating original music.

Then to the delight of the students, all teachers were called to join Supaman, to dance in front of the assembly. After the teachers, select students had the chance to showcase their own moves.

Supaman ended by encouraging students to make make good decisions, stand for something good and to remember they are carrying the legacy of their ancestors. He recorded a Snapchat video with the message, "Be Kind and love one another."

But it wasn't truly over, as students lined up for autographs and the chance to thank him for performing, while taking selfies and bumping fists with the dancer. "It was good, well-received. We laughed. We danced," said Takes Gun Parrish. "Everyone was smiling and full of joy."

The Big Sky Series is made possible in part by the Montana Performing Arts Consortium Presenter Development Program which is supported by grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, Montana Arts Council, and legislative grants from Montana's Cultural Trust, and the Western States Arts Federation.