Amidst the bustling streets of Manhattan on Thanksgiving morning, a dedicated crowd gathered early, anticipating the annual parade despite the rain. Among them stood Kenneth Shirley, poised to showcase a unique cultural performance.
Shirley, the founder and CEO of Indigenous Enterprise, had spent the preceding week rehearsing in Newark with his dance troupe. This event offered them a rare platform: performing at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with a brief but crucial moment on national television.
The troupe, representing Indigenous culture through powwow dance and music, faced an unexpected challenge as the rain threatened their intricate regalia. Yet, Shirley remained positive, determined to make the most of their moment.
As the parade unfolded, Shirley and his dancers adapted to the wet conditions, wheeling their gear through the city while maintaining their spirits. Spectators cheered as they passed, particularly delighted to see Indigenous culture represented in such a public forum.
Two visitors from the Paiute Tribe, Amber Kinney and Cyndie Summers, expressed their excitement. “It’s a wonderful day to see our people out here,” Summers noted, while Kinney added they were “representing in a good way.”
Approaching the iconic Macy’s department store, the troupe readied for their televised segment. With the drumbeats of the Northern Cree group echoing down 34th Street, they performed energetically, embodying the spirit of Indigenous powwow dance for an audience of millions.
Reflecting on the experience, Shirley remarked, “I got so many messages from all over the country about how they heard drumming, and they ran from the kitchen to the living room to watch us. And it just brought them so much joy and it brought tears to their eyes.”
Their performance concluded to enthusiastic applause, marking their place in the parade’s history. “It felt really, really good to see the response from all these people from all over the world just showing love,” Shirley shared, proud of their achievement.
Living in Two Worlds
Kenneth Shirley’s journey began far from the bright lights of Manhattan, in the Navajo Nation near Lupton, Arizona. Moving to Phoenix in first grade, he encountered a world vastly different from his own, but one that eventually broadened his perspective and interests.
Introduced to the powwow circle at just two years old, Shirley’s passion for dance grew alongside his urban life pursuits. The powwow, a vibrant celebration of Indigenous culture, provided him a vital connection to his roots, offering both community and an escape from daily life.
Shirley’s dance style, the men’s fancy war dance, captivated him as a child. As he immersed himself in this art, he developed lifelong connections along the “powwow trail.” Friends like Dominic Pablo and Jamaal-Isaac Jones recall Shirley’s infectious energy and passion for his culture.
“I feel like growing up in the city sometimes that gets lost,” Shirley said of his cultural connection, “But whenever I would go out and powwow, I’d be like, ‘Oh, man, it’s nice to see all these Natives, people my age, wanting to continue the culture.’”
An Aspiring Entrepreneur
After high school, Shirley’s path led him to a dance show in Niagara Falls, where the seeds of Indigenous Enterprise were sown. Recognizing the potential to start his own venture, he returned to Arizona, taking initial steps by performing at colleges and eventually founding the troupe.
Balancing his studies in filmmaking with dance, Shirley faced early challenges in entrepreneurship. Yet, through networking and social media, Indigenous Enterprise gained recognition, including a notable feature in Taboo’s music video for “Stand Up / Stand N Rock.”
Shirley’s outgoing nature facilitated valuable connections, propelling the group to prestigious venues like the Sydney Opera House and the Super Bowl. “I have this ability to make friends with everybody,” he remarked, a quality that has been instrumental in the group’s success.
A Helping Hand
Collaborations with influential figures like Chris “Spanto” Printup and Atiba Jefferson further elevated Indigenous Enterprise. Printup, a mentor to Shirley, opened doors to opportunities that expanded the group’s reach and impact.
Following Printup’s untimely passing, Shirley continued their collaborative spirit, honoring Printup’s legacy through initiatives like the Indigenous Peoples Day garment line. “Spanto kind of took us to a global level,” Shirley acknowledged.
Shirley remains committed to advancing Indigenous representation, inspired by the resilience and creativity of those who came before. “We want to represent and uplift Native American culture where it’s not being seen,” he emphasized.
Taking Up Space
For Shirley and Indigenous Enterprise, participating in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was more than a performance; it was a statement. By showcasing their culture, they aimed to affirm their presence and significance in spaces where Indigenous voices have been historically overlooked.
Despite the complex history surrounding Thanksgiving, Shirley views such platforms as pivotal opportunities. “Our hearts were in the right place,” he noted, underscoring the importance of visibility and recognition for Indigenous communities.
As Shirley and his troupe continue to share their art with the world, their message remains clear: they are here, resilient and thriving, with a rich cultural legacy to share.
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