Hard work and talent makes boy dancer the head man

Talon Thunder White-Eye is a very determined 14 year old boy who was born on Dec. 2, 1997. He now lives in Sarnia, but is originally from the Aamjiwnaang First Nation.

Talon has been winning traditional dance competitions
since he was a baby, and dancing the Northern Traditional style since he could walk at the age of two.

In fact, Talon went undefeated in his last year of Junior Boys Traditional Dance Competition.

Talon has travelled as far south as New Mexico, as far west as Washington State, Oregon and California, taking first place honours in most of his competitions.

Talon is just as successful in Teen Boy’s Traditional Dance. He has improved his dance style, met new people and won several dance competitions thanks to being able to take the summer to travel outside his normal powwow circuit. This has really helped him focus for competitions.

Now Talon is looking forward to his position as “Head Young Man Dancer” in Albuquerque, New Mexico at one of the largest “Gathering of Nations” Powwow competition in the world for singers, drummers and dancers of all ages.

It is a great commitment to be selected as “Head Young Man Dancer” at the powwow. Talon will be hosting a Teen Boy’s Traditional Special and Blanket give away to honour the organizers and head staff at the Gathering.

Talon has received much support from many communities in Ontario, including Toronto where Talon
lived for nine years of his young life. A community social was held March 7 in Talon’s honour at the Toronto Council Fire Cultural Centre this month where he was recognized as a youth leader.

This social helped raise money for his commitment and travels to Albuquerque.