A young grass dancer. It's Powwow season now! We hope you'll attend one — we think you'll enjoy the experience. The Thunderbird Intertribal Council in conjunction with the 96 ABW will host this year's 18th Annual Thunderbird Intertribal Powwow and Children's Day. The event promises to be filled with music and dance and fun for the whole family. Children's Day will be educational and expects to draw over 3000 local area teachers and students. Times for this event will be 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Friday, Nov 4.

For more information please contact Kirby Locklear, 884- 9125 or 863-5311.

To some Native people a 'Powwow' was originally a man with special abilities to cure or offer advice from the spirit world. Powwows, as individuals, were revered for their knowledge; the Narragansett word for "a wise speaker" is 'taupowaw'. Powwows were needed to help to drive away sickness, ensure success in battle, interpret dreams, or to help individuals or tribes in other ways. Prayers, singing, dancing and drumming were all used by powwows in those ceremonies; and wherever Native American people gathered there was feasting, socializing and trading. So, the gatherings themselves came to be called Powwows.

All people are welcome at Powwows! At times there is an entry fee, and you will often find a wide variety of Native American crafts, trade goods and food for sale; even demonstrations and story telling as well. It's a great place for your entire family to spend the day. Drugs and alcohol are not permitted; pets must be on a leash at all times.

The spiritual center of a Powwow is THE CIRCLE; a place to be respected and honored, it is a sacred place that is blessed by a spiritual leader. The circle is entered only from the East (where there is an opening) and dancers travel in the same direction as the sun.

Ceremonies start with a "Grand Entry" of the dancers to pay respects to our Creator and to greet one another. Honoring songs, and dances for veterans and our ancestors follow. You will be asked to stand and remove your hat for these ceremonies. Please don't take photos or videos if you're asked not to do so; and please don't touch the clothing or personal belongings of anyone in Native American dress — much of what is worn is sacred, expensive and/or irreplaceable. But do feel free to ask if you want to take individual pictures, or if you have a question about a particular item that someone is wearing. Most Native People will be pleased to assist you if they're asked first.

You will see many types of dances at the Powwow. When you hear an 'Intertribal Dance' announced, EVERYONE will be invited to participate.