Six Nations Ascension Harjo named World Hoop Dance Champion

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PHOENIX, AZ – Six Nations Hoop Dancer Ascension Harjo was named world champion in the teen’s category at this weekends World Hoop Dance Championships.

The competition is held yearly at the Heard Museum in Phoenix, Arizona. Hoop dancers from across all of North America travel to the competition for the coveted title of World Champion in their age category.

Ascension is 16 years old from the Mohawk, Kickapoo and Seminole nations. This is his second year competing in the world championships. In 2015, Ascension placed second just a few points shy of getting the championship title.

Winners in the other categories were Youth (6-12) – Kailayne Jensen, Adults (18-39) – Nakotah LaRance and Senior (40+) – Lane Jensen.

Next year’s contest will be held at the Heard Museum February 9 & 10, 2019 for the 29th Annual World Championship Hoop Dance Competition.

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Nahnda Garlow

Nahnda Garlow is Onondaga under the wing of the Beaver Clan of Six Nations. Nahnda has been a journalist with the Two Row Times since it's founding in 2013. She is a self-proclaimed "rez girl" who brings to the Two Row Times years of experience as a Haudenosaunee cultural interpreter, traditional dancer and beadwork aficionado. Nahnda is a member of the Canadian Association of Journalists and the Native American Journalists Association.