Folk Arts - Master Artist - Leona Miller

The knowledge Leona Miller holds is very valuable to the Twana community. The details of Twana dance, song, legend and costume have never been recorded on paper, only by mouth. Leona Miller knows traditions that no one else in her tribe can teach. She was taught these arts by family at a young age and has participated in traditional spiritual events all her life. Leona continued the Twana tradition by teaching her daughter, Kristine, even as an infant.

As a recipient of a 1999 Apprenticeship grant, Miller taught her daughter, Kristine Miller, and Winona Plant Twana dance, song, legend and costume. Kristine and Winona organized the Twana Youth Dance Group so Leona could focus on teaching as a respected elder. Leona has always believed that interest in cultural heritage and the desire to keep traditions alive starts at a young age. The Twana Youth Dance Group plans to perform at a community Christmas event, attended by over 300 people.

Winona was passed down the knowledge of Twana dance, song and legend at a very early age by her uncle, whom was one of the first organizers of a Twana dance group. She also learned design and preparation of the costumes, which is a key element of storytelling dance.