Operation Christmas Child is a service project through Samaritan’s Purse, which collects shoebox gifts filled with toys, school supplies and hygiene items.

“A lot of times they use what’s called the blood quantum rule, so it dictates whatever percentage you are of Native American,” Canas said. “There’s also the tragedy of a lot of tribes nowadays; after the next generation, they will not be considered Native anymore. The whole philosophy and the identity behind it is dictated by the U.S. government, but currently, there is a big push between us to kind of build the identity for ourselves.”

Two days before the main performance, students will get a sneak peek of what they’ll see by watching Bear Ballet perform excerpts of the dances at Christmas on Fifth Street.

Contactless delivery satisfies our need for more things and to have them brought to us without having to interact with a soul, while streaming services, telehealth, personal grocery shoppers, curbside, home gyms, FaceTime, online school and remote work beg the question: why leave the house at all?