Nanticoke Indian Powwow to spotlight traditional dances Sept. 6-7

Hudson Fields will host the Nanticoke Indian Tribe’s 47th Annual Powwow from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 6 and 7, at 30045 Eagle Crest Road, Milton. 

Grand entry will be held at noon both days. A church service is set for 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., Sunday.

Members of the tribal community wish to share their voices, customs and traditions. Highlights include traditional drumming, dancing, vendors, authentic food, storytelling, educational displays, face painting and craft activities for children. While members of the tribe request that people ask permission before taking photos of individuals, they very much encourage people to ask questions.

One of the dances attendees might observe at this year’s powwow is the grass dance, believed to have originated with the Omaha Tribe. All stories of the dance describe it as ceremonial. In the South, some tribes believe it was connected to a warrior society and that scalps were tied to the dancers’ clothing to celebrate victory in battle. Among the northern tribes, the grass dance is believed to be a blessing ceremony for new ground.

The dancers would trample the grass down in preparation for setting up a village, and grass was tied to the dancer. As the dancer moves, the fringe attached to his regalia sways to simulate the natural movement of tall prairie grass. The dance is said to represent the balance of life. The dancer must perform the same moves on the right and left. The dancer’s regalia is also covered with yarn and ribbons that sway, showing lots of color.

For children ages 10 and under, admission to the powwow is free.

Shuttles will be available in the parking lot to bring people to the entrance both days. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs to enjoy the weekend.

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.

To learn more, go to NanticokeIndians.org or find Nanticoke Indian Tribe on Facebook.