Community Conversations and Dance

On March 25, Dr. Katrina Claw, Kyle Coulon, and Tada Vargas, a 4th year PhD candidate in the Human Medical Genetics and Genomics program, hosted a Community Conversations with Dr. Jim Jarvis & Haudenosaunee Social Dance. With support from the Centers for American Indian & Alaskan Native Health (CAIANH), and help from Jaylee Rencountre, around 30 CU and local indigenous community members attended!

The event started with a Tuscarora language opening, Tuscarora being one of the six main nations of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, and ended with everyone dancing. The speaker and main singer for the event was David Rahahę∙tih Webb, Tuscarora educator, historian, and author. 

The Haudenosaunee Social Dance was added to honor Dr. Jim Jarvis, who is of Mohawk ancestry (Mohawk being another of the six main nations of the Haudenosaunee). Haudenosaunee Social Dancing is all about getting people moving and bringing everyone together. Attendees were excited to hear about Dr. Jarvis’ work, learn some new moves, and learn more about Haudenosaunee culture. 

Claw Lab is very thankful to Precision Health & Genomics: Indigenous Mentoring and Ethics (PrIME), the Human Medical Genetics and Genomics Program, and the CAIANH for their support! 

Kyle Coulon

A version of this article previously appeared in the CAIANH Spring 2026 Newsletter