Chester B. Mahooty, a Zuni Pueblo who is an internationally known singer, dancer, and silversmith, will present a program of dance, storytelling, and talks on history and jewelry at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7, on the ground level of Wilson Commons on the University of Rochester's River Campus. For 28 years, Mahooty's Zuni Rainbow Dancers toured throughout North America, Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. His vast knowledge of songs, drum, and Pow Wow and Zuni dances led to an invitation to join the American Indian Dance Theatre in 1987. Mahooty served as a Zuni Pueblo tribal councilman and testified for the Religious Freedom Act, which in 1978 assured Native Americans the right to practice their religious and cultural traditions. The Zuni, one of 19 Pueblo tribes, live in New Mexico and are considered direct descendants of the ancient Anasazi. A master silversmith, Mahooty is noted for his exceptionally large turquoise jewelry and wears 65 pounds of turquoise and silver when fully dressed in his Zuni attire. Mahooty moved to the Rochester area in 1993, where he has continued to teach Zuni songs and dances. He will be accompanied by several dancers during his program at the University. Chester Mahooty greeted the Community Members and the Walkers. He offered the Blessing of a Zuni Prayer Song for the Sacred Hoop and for all of us at the gathering. After the opening prayers we heard good words from Warren Skye Sr., Ester Sundown, Jamie Jacobs, and Valerie Staats, coordinator of the Buffalo, NY visit. Thank you for sharing from your hearts. Vette Middleton, Hoop Journey documenter, shared with those present about the Four Gifts of the Sacred Hoop and the history of the three previous Journeys, as well as the programs and resources of White Bison. Nancy Potter created a presentation of White Bison materials used in her work and did a wonderful job describing the purpose of the White Bison organization to all. <a href="https://www.last.fm/music/Chester+Mahooty">Read more on Last.fm</a>. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.