The Spirit of Nations Powwow, coming off a successful first year at Jefferson County High School, will return to the school on Saturday, March 23, with competition powwow dancing, Native American flute music, hoop dancing, children’s activities, and much more.
“After several wonderful years at Patriot Academy down the road, we moved to the main campus last year to have more space for vendors, more demonstrators, more handicapped parking, and so forth,” said Dr. Mark Finchum, president of Indian Creek Productions, Inc., that sponsors the powwow.
“The attendance in 2023 was really good and we look forward to continued growth,” said Finchum. “We appreciate the support of Jefferson County.”For one thing, the lobby of the high school has a high ceiling, making it possible to erect a full-size tipi inside. “Visitors really enjoyed the tipi display last year and we are excited to have that again, ”said Finchum. Sandy Brown, a cultural educator from Robbinsville, NC, will erect the 16-ft diameter tipi and surround it with many items of material culture, such as buffalo hides, weapons, and tipi chairs, to use in explaining daily life on the Plains.
Emerson Begay, Navajo, will be playing Native American flute music and former world grand champion hoop Dancer Eddie Swimmer will perform.
“We will have our Grand Entry at noon,” said Finchum. “That’s when all the dancers make their way into the arena before the competition starts. It’s one of the highlights of the day.”
Details of special guests for the powwow will be announced soon.
“We’ll be offering something we’ve never had before. Something most folks around here have never seen,” teased Finchum.
Admission is $7 for adults and $2 for children. Preschool children are free, as are veterans and active-duty military personnel.
More information is available at www.indiancreekproductions.com or on the Indian Creek Productions Facebook page. Specific questions can be directed to indiancreekproductions@gmail.com.
