We had the good fortune of connecting with Melisa Aleman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Melisa, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
In 2008, the Director of the San Diego Unified School Indian Education Program, Vickie Gambala, decided to bring back cultural awareness to Urban Native American families. Vickie developed the group alongside other community members; they started having dance classes, which brought the urban Native community together, from a cultural night, where families learned to do beadwork, sewing, and other cultural activities, to a family night, where everyone brought in a dish to share and held a community potluck which later powwow dance class was implemented into the programming. This led to families coming weekly to learn powwow protocol, powwow dancing, and the styles and history behind the style of dances. We also had a live drum group, Green River, which they are still drumming with Soaring Eagles. Soaring Eagles has expanded throughout the years. They have been traveling to different powwows around the United States and doing multiple performances throughout the year. Our busiest month is November, which is the celebration of Native American Heritage Month.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Soaring Eagles is dedicated to educating American Indian families about the traditions of Native American powwow dance. We share our culture, dance, and traditional regalia to further educate audiences across the United States. Our goal is to preserve Native traditions through educating Native American families and others. Soaring Eagles is proud to continue to share our culture with others interested in Native American culture through dance and drumming. We have had the privilege of performing for the Dali Lama, other celebrities, libraries, corporate events, conferences, and school assemblies.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First, the Dedication to Vickie Gambala, who served as Director of the San Diego Unified School District Indian Education Program for over 30 years before retiring in 2012, and to the San Diego Urban Native American Community for continuing their cultural traditions.

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