Nation celebration: Concert to kick off powwow

From staff reports
Published: May 14, 2008

The Monacan Indian Nation will kick off its 16th annual Powwow May 16 to 18 at General Albert’s Farm in Elon.

The three-day event, which is open to the public, will begin with a bluegrass concert featuring five local bands.

The festivities on May 17 and 18 will celebrate Monacan heritage with native drums, dancers in full Indian regalia, crafts and food. Every hour, guest speakers will hold education circles on topics ranging from Indian spirituality and government to basket weaving and cooking. Wildlife rehabilitation expert Earl Schriver will show off live eagles, hawks, falcons and owls during a presentation on birds of prey.

In Native American tradition, a powwow is a council gathering of people from one or more tribes. The meeting typically ends with a dance or feast. In recent years, the Monacans’ have used the idea of the powwow to reach out to the community.

“It’s for us to come together, and to sing and dance, to teach others how we live now and how we think,” says George Whitewolf, assistant chief and spiritual leader.

Originating in the Monroe and Madison Heights areas, the Monacans presently have about 1,700 members. According to archeological records, the Monacans have lived in the area for 8,000 years, Whitewolf says.

Festival hours are 6 to 11 p.m. May 16; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. May 17; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 18. The farm is located on Virginia 130 in Elon.

Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors, $5 for children ages 6 to 12, and free for children 5 and younger. For information, call George Whitewolf at (434) 946-0421 or the tribal offices at (434) 946-0389, or visit http://www.monacannation.com.