OMAHA, Neb. (AP) – A member of Nebraska’s Omaha Tribe who leads traditional songs is receiving a national honor.

The National Endowment for the Arts says Rufus White has been named a 2014 National Heritage Fellow. He will be recognized at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 17.

White learned traditional songs and drumming techniques from his father and grandfather, who were both spiritual leaders.

Today, White is a resource for songs of the Omaha Tribe and he teaches about related customs and stories. He also teaches about the tribe’s cultural traditions and language.

White lives in Walthill.

Rufus White