Just in time for Thanksgiving and celebrating all that we have, thanks to the Native AMERICANS who taught our ancestors how to live in this new land that they happened upon, Tate and I took off and attended an Indian PowWow that was held in Ellijay GA. What an amazing experience!! My Father came from a line of Cherokee Indians but unfortunately I don’t know a lot about that part of my family. I was too young to appreciate much about my heritage when those who could provide the answers were alive. Now I have to search far back in my memory to even remember bits and pieces of what I was told as a child. Kinda like when you have a guitar teacher and learn to play a song. 20 years go by and you can only remember a chord or two but you know it is there somewhere.
November is “Native American Awareness Month” as well as the month we “Pay Tribute to our Soldiers and Veterans” for their many sacrifices and the month that we celebrate all that we have to thankful for. What a wonderful month November is!!
PowWows begin with a Grand Entry. This is the entry of all the people entering the arena. This originally was a parade through the town the powwow was in. Even today in some powwows, these parades are still held. During the Grand Entry, everyone is asked to stand as the flags are brought into the arena. The flags carried generally include the U.S. Flag, Tribal Flags, the POW Flag, and Eagle Staffs of various Native Nations present. These are usually carried by veterans. They incorporate Veterans into their PowWow in a MAJOR way.
There was a HUGE buffalo. Have you ever seen a buffalo up close and in person? Such a majestic animal.
Another amazing site at PowWows are the regalia that the Native Americans wear. Some spend YEARS putting together their regalia. Some items are passed down from generation to generation.
We met many wonderful folks. Everyone from elders to the young’uns.
Ok, here is where I have to hang my head in shame. He had just finished a tribal dance and was a little short of breath, I asked him what tribe he was with and it was a little hard to catch. I want to say it was something like Opie but I know that isn’t quiet right and I didn’t want to ask again.
This is Tate sitting with Chief Noc-A-Homa (Alanta Braves Mascot’s name), watching him flint nap. His christian name is Levi Walker Jr. and he is the most well known Brave’s Mascot. He held that position for 16 years. It was so interesting hearing him talk about his life experiences as a Native American, as the Brave’s Mascot and as a man.
This is one of the young men performing what is known as the Hoop Dance. Fabulous to watch. I wish that I could have zoomed in a little more so that you could see better, but it is still worth watching.
So, that was a glimpse into our day at the PowWow. If you ever hear of one in your area I HIGHLY suggest that you go. It is such an educational and spiritual experience, one that you will never forget.
