This Powwow is presented by the Children of Many Colors and is like a big family gathering that everyone is welcome to attend. Vendors are vital to the powwow...they are our financial backbone, and this year we have a number of new vendors that we are excited to meet and spend the weekend with guests. Shoppers will have the opportunity to purchase jewelry, arts and crafts directly from the hands that made them.
On Saturday the official Powwow begins at 11 AM and runs until 10 PM (or for as long as we can see where we're dancing). We will begin with an open Gourd Dance session lead by Daivid Patterson. All gourd dancers are welcome. Typically, there is a second Gourd session after dinner break.
There are dances called intertribals where visitors are welcome to join us in the arena. For women, you will notice other women wearing shawls over their shoulders and covering their upper body. That is appropriate for all women. It is an expression of respect and modesty.
On Sunday the Powwow will begin with the final round of Gourd Dance, and the Veteran's Honoring. Dean Webster, USMC of the Ojibwe Nation will lead the roll call this year. Dean is our Head Man Dancer and has been a strong support of the powwow for as long as I can remember. All Veterans are welcome. You do not need to be Native American to participate.
Parking donations and the sale of raffle tickets help us pay for the Powwow.
The Children of Many Colors Intertribal Powwow is Redbird’s signature event. Powwows are cultural celebrations. In urban areas, people from many tribes come together, including native people from Alaska, Hawaii, the First Nations People of Canada, and Central and South America.
The powwow mingles ceremony and social gathering, meeting place and market place. Mostly importantly, Powwows offer young people an opportunity to learn not only songs and dances but cultural values. Native languages are spoken. Elders share their wisdom with younger generations. Respect, honoring our elders and generosity are among the values we learn through these gatherings.
For more information visit www.redbirdsvision.org or visit https://www.facebook.com/events/544482276019104
