Nanticoke Indian Powwow moves to new venue Sept. 10-12

The 43rd Annual Nanticoke Indian Powwow will be held Friday to Sunday, Sept. 10 to 12, at a new location, Hudson Fields, 30045 Eagle Crest Road, Milton. 

“It is exciting,” said Chief Natosha Norwood Carmine. “There are so many people looking forward to this.”

Hudson Fields had planned to host the powwow in 2020, before it was canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions. Carmine said she is enthusiastic about the large space the fields provide so people can spread out for a day of safe fun. Tribe members are also hoping the new location, next to Route 1, will open the powwow and its traditions to a whole new audience, she said.

“We want to share our voice and share our customs and traditions,” she said. While members of the tribe request that people ask permission before taking photos of individuals, they very much encourage people to ask questions. “This is the time people can hear it from our mouths,” said Carmine.

She said children of the tribe have been practicing for months to present native dance in conjunction with professional Native American dancers from around the country.

Vendors for food, music, jewelry, souvenirs, arts and crafts, beadwork, leather and regalia supplies are expected. A kids’ corner will have face painting and make-and-take crafts. Host drums will be from Red Blanket of New Jersey and Stoney Creek of North Carolina.

There will be several new features to the powwow this year, said Avery Johnson, a tribal council member and powwow coordinator. Those additions include a car show organized through Delaware Street Rod Association; expanded dancing to include Aztec dancers; an interactive exhibition of birds with the Delaware Museum of Natural History and Animal Behavior & Conservation Connections; a tribute to 9/11 with native flute; and a children’s area being presented through the Brandywine Zoo.

A vendor preview and pig roast will be held from 4 to 8 p.m., Sept. 10. The event continues from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. Grand entry will be held at noon both days. 

A church service is set for 8:30 to 10 a.m., Sunday. 

The lineup includes emcee Keith Colston, Arena Director Urie Ridgeway, head dancers Keith Anderson and Adrienne Harmon, and host drums Red Blanket of New Jersey and Stoney Creek of North Carolina. 

Entrance fees are $8 for adults, $5 for ages 11 to 17, and free for children ages 10 and younger. Attendees are asked to bring their own lawn chairs. 

No alcohol, no smoking and no drugs are permitted. Pets are prohibited except for service animals displaying proper credentials. 

The Nanticoke Indians are the native people of lower Delaware. In Algonquian, the common Indian language of Northeastern tribes, the word Nanticoke is translated from the original Nantaquak, meaning the tidewater people or people of the tidewaters. First contact with the Nanticoke Tribe was recorded by Capt. John Smith in 1608 when he was exploring the Chesapeake Bay and sailed up what is known today as the Nanticoke River.

Today there are about 700 members of the Nanticoke Indian Association and more than 2,000 people who can trace their heritage back to the tribe. For more information about the Nanticoke, go to NanticokeIndians.org.

Hudson Fields is an outdoor venue featuring sports activities, concerts, food and festivals.

For more information, call the Nanticoke Indian Association at 302-945-3400, email info@nanticokeindians.org or go to HudsonFields.com.