Jefferson County will welcome a vibrant celebration of Native American culture at the Spirit of Nations Powwow on Saturday, March 28, at Jefferson County High School in Dandridge.
A highlight of the event will be special performances by the Dine Tah’ Navajo Dancers, an acclaimed group that has performed at prestigious venues including the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Led by Director Shawn Price, the group has been sharing traditional Navajo dances with audiences across the country and around the world since 1993, earning numerous awards and honors along the way.
The talented dancers are performing ambassadors to the Great Navajo Nation and present a unique program featuring both traditional and semi-contemporary performances. According to Price, maintaining a strong connection to the religious and cultural roots of the dances remains central to their mission.
“We are honored to have the Dine Tah’ Navajo Dancers in Jefferson County,” said Mark Finchum, president of Indian Creek Productions, Inc., sponsor of the powwow. “They have performed in so many unique venues and for some truly amazing audiences. Now they are coming here!”
Beyond the performances, the Spirit of Nations Powwow will offer a full day of cultural experiences and family-friendly activities. Visitors can explore demonstrations of traditional crafts such as bandolier bag construction, stone carving, wampum jewelry making, wood carving, beadwork, and finger weaving. Guests can also visit a southeastern bark encampment, enjoy hoop dancing, flute music, and browse American Indian arts and crafts available for purchase.
Food vendors will be on-site serving favorites like Indian tacos, and the event will also feature activities for children, a silent auction, and exciting competition powwow dancing.
The event runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with the Grand Entry at noon. Performances by the Dine Tah’ Navajo Dancers are scheduled for approximately 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
The powwow takes place at Jefferson County High School. Admission is $7 for adults and $2 for children, with free admission for preschoolers, veterans, and active-duty military personnel.
Funding for the Spirit of Nations Powwow is provided in part by grants from the Tennessee Arts Commission, the Tennessee America 250 Commission, the Jefferson County Department of Tourism, and numerous supporting businesses and individuals.
For more information, visit the Indian Creek Productions website or follow the organization on Facebook. Questions can also be directed to indiancreekproductions@gmail.com.
