The Powwow is a unique Sussex event

Just two weeks, ago the Nanticoke Indian Association asked for community support to ensure this year’s Powwow could be held.

The community responded in a big way. With more than 100 individual donations — and the Hudson family generously waiving the fee to use Hudson Fields — the tribe is able to breathe a sigh of relief knowing the 47th annual event will go on as planned. This achievement is more than a financial victory; it’s a celebration of unity, perseverance and cultural pride. It’s also an illustration of the generous and diverse community we have here in the Cape Region. 

The Powwow, set for Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 6 and 7, at Hudson Fields near Milton, is one of Delaware’s most cherished cultural events. It’s a powerful gathering that brings together the Nanticoke Tribe, their families and the broader community to honor and experience the vibrant traditions of the Nanticoke people. With traditional drumming, dancing, cultural demonstrations, and authentic food and crafts, the event serves as a bridge between generations and cultures, educating the public while strengthening community bonds. The grand entry is a spectacle not to be missed.

The community’s generosity not only ensures the continuation of the Powwow but also supports year-round tribal programs, including education and scholarships. If all goes to plan, the community will soon have another way to learn about the Nanticoke people, as a groundbreaking ceremony was held Aug. 25, for an expansion of the tribe’s community center. It will be a place for preserving cultural heritage while also providing vital services such as child and elder care, food distribution and educational programming for people who live in Sussex County.

But until that $3 million project is complete, the community can continue its support by attending the annual Powwow, which funds a large part of the association’s yearly income. The money collected from the Powwow is used throughout the year for community programs and scholarships.

If you’ve never been to the Powwow, mark your calendar and attend this year. It’s truly unique Sussex County event.