The Great Mohican Pow-Wow celebrates culture and community

  • By Kyle Valentrini
  • June 27, 2012
  • 498
                        
Summary: The Great Mohican Pow-Wow is a must-see event for visitors interested in Native American culture. The three day event happens twice a year in the pristine Mohican Reservation Campground near Loudonville. The Great Mohican Pow-Wow, the largest show of its kind in the nation returns for its 28th year and will be hosted by the Mohican Reservation Campgrounds located at 23270 Wally Road South near Loudonville on July 13-15 and again on September 14-16. Pow-Wows are celebrations that last for many days and include custom dancing, colorful ceremonial costumes, the sharing of songs, traditional food, story-telling, hoop dancing, tomahawk throwing and the coming together of Native American tribes to honor ancestors and renew their traditions and heritage. Celebrations such as this are important to the survival of the cultures that were here long before the modern inhabitants of our nation. “Ours is the largest event of its kind,” said Committee Chairman, Bill Lacey. “So many people from the community get involved. We are bringing back the auction that will benefit the Mohican Area Community Fund. People like to know that they are supporting a good cause.” The auction will be held Saturday at 4 p.m. Woody Richards will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the three day-long event that begins with the customary Grand Entry led by All Nations Warrior Society Color Guard. All in attendance rise as various flags representing the tribes and POW’s are carried in by veterans. The US flag is carried by Native Americans and has a meaning that is two-fold: a remembrance of all the ancestors that fought against the invasion of their land and horrible mistreatment the native peoples endured and as an honor for this is now the nation in which they live. “Our new MC engages the audience and really helps the show run smoothly,” said Lacey. “He is a full-blooded Sioux from the great Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota.” Visitors will be moved by the traditional drum beats with Southern Straight Singers serving as head drum hosts. Music and singing of the twelve tribes will be heard throughout the reclaimed land that is Mohican. Dance and drum competitions throughout the day will mesmerize even the visitors that have seen them before. More than $9000 in prize money will be awarded. Douglas Blue Feather is of Cherokee heritage and is an internationally known performer of music featuring the Native American flute. He is recognized as one of the top flutists of today. He has released 14 CDs which have been heard on radio stations worldwide. Visitors will get to hear him live and see his beautiful flutes. Writer and storyteller, Lance White Eagle will share stories and his knowledge of Native American history and culture. Visitors can learn first-hand the art of fire-starting and tomahawk throwing when Coyote Dog demonstrates skills that would come naturally to the natives of the region. There will be special appearances by the Tlacopaw Aztec Dancers and renowned hoop dancer Daniel Tramper. Various demos, displays and speeches will be held continuously throughout each day at the South end of Pow-Wow Grounds by the Woodland Indian Educational Program. “We are excited about sharing the smoke dance this year,” said Lacey. “It is the fastest of the native dances and many in our region have never seen it before. It is very different from the other dances.” More than 40 vendors and traders will be on hand with quality wares available for purchase that includes beads, knives, furs and silver. Traditional Native American food will be served. Admission for school age children through eighth grade on September 16 will be $1.00 with advance notification required. Students will learn about Native American culture and life-styles, fellowship and competition. Homeschoolers are welcome. Teachers and chaperones will receive 50% off the regular priced admission. Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts will receive 50% off regular admission. Seniors, Veterans and college students will receive 10% off regular admission. Bus drivers receive free admission. Tickets can be purchased in advance at Creative Outlet, 226 W. Main St., Loudonville and Mohican Reservation, 23270 Wally Rd., Loudonville. Buy early and SAVE $1.00 off regular adult price when tickets are purchased before September 15. Pow-Wow tickets can also be purchased on line or the day of the event. Gift certificates are available. For complete information or directions, phone 1-800-766-CAMP (2267) or visit them on the Web.


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