POW WOW GETS OFF TO LATE START, STILL DRAWS VISITORS

By Ezra Mann/OF THE COMMERCIAL STAFF

Though the gates to Saracen Landing opened at 9 a.m., many were on “Indian Time,” with festivities beginning after 10:30 a.m and running until about 5 p.m., Sue Trulock, director of the Jefferson County Historical Museum and one of the sponsors for the Native American Heritage Day Pow Wow, said Saturday.

The powwow began with a color guard presentation by the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 830, from White Hall/Pine Bluff, which led fancy dancers to a sacred circle in the center of the landing pavilion. It is a part of the chapter’s duty, which supports the community with four members attending Saturday, said Gary D. McDougal Sr., chapter president.

Other organizations that participated included Pine Bluff Boy Scout Troop 100 and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department.

The purpose of powwow in Pine Bluff is to keep Native American cultures and customs alive, while remembering that Jefferson County was once inhabited and settled by Indians, added Trulock. Through events that include traditional dances, basket weaving with pine needles and hawk demonstrations, modern residents can appreciate how the Quapaw tribe lived in the area.

Sonny Bell, his nephew John and his son Cubert of the Choctaw Tribe, sang and played the southern drum while warrior dancers performed well-rehearsed steps. Getting people aware of what different tribes still do today sends many of Native American descent to powwows around the country, explained Bell.

“I love to sing and this is a way to go out and meet with new people while catching up with old friends,” added Bell.

Fancy or warrior dancing is a style of dancing for tribes that use a basic step with custom movements and dancers design their regalia with a myriad of colors that vary in meaning, said Mark McCranie of Jacksonville, who participated as a fancy dancer. Many dancers travel to powwows nationwide, though a large number cannot go to as many celebrations as they did previously due to rising fuel prices.

“To me and a lot of us, the powwow is like a big family reunion,” added McCranie, who is of Cherokee descent.

Marianna Crowder of Conway attended the festivities to see her daughter, Anne Grahm, dance and noted that she prefers outside powwows to those held inside. Crowder has ties to a number of Native American tribes including Cherokee and Muskogee Creek, and enjoys going almost every weekend to a different powwow.

Floyd Harrison and his friend Dannette Petrus of Pine Bluff said they have been to a powwow in Pine Bluff before when it was at Regional Park and always look forward to another opportunity. Some of their favorite events were dancing and the vendors with jewelry and crafts.

“It’s a great place to meet up with friends,” said Harrison. “I’ve always had a fascination with the Native American culture.”