Nanticoke Indian powwow to honor Native American culture Sept. 10-11
The Nanticoke Indian Tribe’s 44th Annual Powwow is set for 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 10 and 11, at Hudson Fields, 30045 Eagle Crest Road, Milton. Parking is free.
Entrance fees are $10 for adults, $5 for ages 11-17, and free for children 10 and under. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and enjoy the full day of activities.
In the powwow circle, participants celebrate the life and honorable deeds of those who are living as well as those who have crossed over. Native Americans are taught that by honoring individuals, they encourage the next generation to embrace the unlimited possibilities of the world.
This year’s powwow will feature authentic native crafts, clothing, jewelry, books and commemorative items of the Nanticoke Tribe that will be available for purchase, along with Native American food.
One of the dances attendees might observe at this year’s powwow is the jingle dance, known also as the healing dance. The jingle dance originated with the Ojibwe in the Great Lakes region. The dress itself is said to have originated as a means of healing a medicine man’s granddaughter. In a dream, the elder was told to construct a jingle dress and have his granddaughter dance in it – and she was healed.
The colorful dress is covered with rolled-up snuff can lids attached with bright-colored ribbons. The jingles are close enough together to hit one another, creating a nearly musical, happy sound much like rain. Dancers perform simple zigzag steps – no high stepping or fancy footwork – and make the jingles sway. The jingles are attached to soft cloth such as taffeta or cotton. Dancers are judged by their footwork and grace.
At the end of each day when the drummers and dancers have gone for their well-earned rest and relaxation with friends, visitors to the Nanticoke Powwow will go away with arms filled with beautiful crafts, cameras filled with magnificent pictures, and heads and hearts filled with memories of grace, color, dance, sounds and smiles.
To learn more, call 302-945-3400 or email info@nanticokeindians.org.
