Imagine you can fly. Sailing across the blue sky, you see people from every corner of the planet gather in a circle. They dance in celebration and hope for all children. Your heart takes a picture. On July 30, at Memorial Park in Dunkirk, you can experience such a magical moment.

On that day, drone pilot Cheryl Johnson and the “Warrior Flight Team” team will videotape a special “dance” from a bird’s-eye view. Bill Crouse and the Allegany River Indian Dancers will invite our whole community to join in a Native American social circle dance as part of an important documentary, “Tradition, Trauma, and Tenderness.” The idea behind the film is that “traditions, passed down in a tender, nurturing environment, can help prevent and heal trauma, abuse, and neglect in children and families.”

Produced by the CREATE Project, and directed by founder and Lead Artist Valerie Walawender, this feature documentary has been supported by grants from Arts Services, Inc. and the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation. The City of Dunkirk, Dunkirk Public Library, Blosssom Garden Friends Peace and Education Center, CAP (Child Advocacy Center), Prevention Works, and other community entities have been integral to this process.

Professional videographer Alex Simmons has been filming tradition-bearers, child-field specialists, and community members for the documentary since February 2022. Groundwork for the film was laid by Simmons, in a video series made for the CREATE Project website (www.create-project.com) this past year. Simmons is the sole editor of this massive project, anticipated to premier at the Hollywood Theater in Gowanda in upcoming months.

At the July 30 event, Cheryl Johnson and her team will use their drone technology to film the last scene of the “Tradition, Trauma, & Tenderness” documentary. The Salamanca City School District began their Drone program in the Fall of 2017. It started with several teachers obtaining their FAA Part 107 small, unmanned aircraft license. They called themselves “Warrior Flight Team” and over the years it has become a popular course offered to the high school students. Students and Staff holding a license enjoy flying the drones for multiple events held throughout the schools and community. Johnson is Salamanca Central School District Lead Coach and Mentor for both the FIRST Robotics Challenge and FIRST Tech Challenge; and Teacher for 8th Grade Physical Science; Forensic Science, and Enrichment Science.

The “Tradition, Trauma, and Tenderness” film features Native American narrator, Bill Crouse; Neuroscientist Dr. Audrey Hager; and Trauma and Child Psychologist, Dr. Daryl Tonemah, as well as a wide variety of area cultural tradition-bearers.

Chautauqua County has the 8th highest rate of reported child abuse of all the counties in New York state. The relevance of this film cannot be overstated as our community faces this crisis.

Simmons’ and the Warrior Flight Team’s videography work will culminate with a grand community video shoot for the final scene of the film, at Memorial Park, Dunkirk on Saturday, July 30 from 1 to 3 p.m. Everyone is welcome!

At this event, Simmons will videotape community members as they join a circle, led by the Allegany River Indian Dancers. Native American Dance Leader Bill Crouse, (the film’s narrator), will share the story of Native American social dance circles. When the “circle” is complete, the drone video camera will rise to the sky to videotape the assembled group from above for a dramatic end to the film.

Individual adults and youth are invited to wear the traditional dress of their culture or to carry something to symbolize their culture (Polish, Puerto Rican, Italian, Greek, Swedish, Jewish, etc.).

Community members are also encouraged to wear or carry something that symbolizes their occupation or interests. Nurses, doctors, and other health care professionals can wear their scrubs or a stethoscope. Girl Scouts, police, fire fighters and military representatives will be in uniform. Teachers and students can carry a favorite book. Artists can hold a brush and palette, or perhaps a small painting, small sculpture or ceramic bowl they crafted. Musicians can carry their guitars. Singers can bring a songbook.

Organizations, groups, and businesses are invited to hold up a sign signifying the group they represent. Kids can carry a favorite toy or even bring their (crowd friendly, leashed or contained) pet to be included in the film. Reporters can carry a camera or their favorite newspaper.

Open Door Church will have their famous bar-b-que ribs, macaroni, and drinks available for purchase.There will also be free light refreshments for everyone and activities for the kids between filming shots. At the event, Native American tradition-bearers will demonstrate their art forms including Peter Jones and Mike Jones, pottery, sculpture; Penny Minner, basketry; Debbie Hoag, corn husk dolls; and Kari Kennedy, beadwork.

Community members and groups are encouraged to pre-register for the event at the CREATE Project website: For more information, and to pre-register, please visit: www.create-project.com

Everybody is welcome to be part of the “Tradition, Trauma, & Tenderness” documentary! The event is free and open to the public.

The CREATE Project is an arts-based community initiative designed to help communities become free of child trauma, abuse and neglect, and to become places where children can thrive. The Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation, Blossom Garden Friends Peace and Education Center, and Arts Services, Inc. act as our fiscal sponsors. The Dunkirk Public Library and Boys & Girls Club of Northern Chautauqua County are our lead community partners.