Listen for the sounds of drums. A Pow-wow is coming to Uniontown.
On August 7 and 8, local Native Americans will “Remember the Ancestors” by hosting a two-day Pow-wow.
“(Pow-wows) as we know them today started in the 1920s, as a way to fellowship, pray and share traditions,” said Barry “Redbird” Brown of Sturgis, who will lead a group of veterans, be they Native American or not, in the Grand Entry ceremonial dance on Saturday, Aug. 7, as the 2010 Pow-wow begins.
The Pow-wow, sponsored by Mantle Rock Native Education and Cultural Center in Marion, will feature music, dancing, food and craft vendors at the Uniontown Baseball Field on 7th Street in Uniontown.
“In one sense, it’s a form of entertainment,” Brown said, “But it’s not a show, for us. It’s a celebration, a ceremony, to show others what we do.”
Brown is the “Head Veteran.” As such, it will be his duty to lead the Grand Entry dance by cleansing himself and the circle.
“The circle is blessed,” he explained. “It’s somewhat like a church, in a way. It’s sacred. (Native Americans) believe in one Creator, who created all things, period. We lived off the land and took care of Mother Earth.”
There are about a hundred dances that Brown can name, but only a few traditional dances will be performed during the Pow-wow weekend. Some of these dances include the men’s traditional, the women’s fancy shawl, and women’s grass dance.
“There’s a reason or story for just about everything we do,” he said. Ultimately, the Pow-wow planned for August 7 and 8 will be used to educate the public about Native American traditions and culture.
“Kids could come, parents could come,” Brown noted, “to realize the true reasons and traditions for Native Americans.”
The Pow-wow will be held on Saturday, Aug. 7 from 12:30-9 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 8 from 1-5 p.m. The Grand Entry ceremony will be performed on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. and again on Sunday at 1.
Admission to the activities is $5 for adults and $3 for seniors or veterans. Children 12 and under are free.
For more information, please call Lynell Greewell at 270-822-4598 or Barry Brown at 270-570-3165.
