37th Nanticoke Powwow Sept. 6 and 7 celebrates 'The Indian Way'
The 27th Nanticoke Indian Association Powwow Sept. 6 and 7 will offer an opportunity for powwow participants to renew old friendships and see relatives for the first time since last year. Family members from among the 40 American Indian vendors will also join the dance circle during powwow weekend.
Abiding by “The Indian Way,” people are polite and considerate of each other, and children and elders are given special consideration and attention.
Visitors, guests, and tourists from throughout the United States, Canada, and several foreign countries attend the powwow each year with a special invitation to residents of the Eastern Shore and surrounding areas.
The wooded grounds and colorful regalia of the dancers offer many photographic opportunities. The master of ceremony will let visitors know the few occasions when it is not appropriate to take pictures of dancers.
The 40 vendors will display authentic Native American arts and crafts, jewelry, blankets, clothing, accessories, and food. All these items are available for purchase. Many vendors follow the powwow circuit from April through Thanksgiving and travel many thousands of miles each year to participate. For many American Indian families, this is their means of subsistence.
Men's Fancy Dancing, which originated in the South during the early 1920s, is among the most striking dances with its bustles, beadwork and flashy color combinations. The women's counterpart is the Shawl Dance, which originated among northern tribes.
No alcohol and no pets are allowed on the grounds. Bring lawn chairs and friends. Parking/admission is $10 per car and $5 for motorcycles. Walk-in admission is $3 for adults and $3 for children; $25 for buses plus $3 for each person on the bus. The driver will have to collect this fee. Highway signs on Route 24 (John J. Williams Highway) between Route 1 in Rehoboth Beach and Route 113 in Millsboro will guide visitors to the parking area and powwow site where trams will transport them to the powwow grounds.
For further information, call Marilyn at 302-945-3400, email info@nanticokeindians.org or go to nanticokeindians.org.
