This past weekend I travelled to beautiful Mebane, North Carolina. The Occaneechi band of the Saponi Nation held the annual powwow and spring festival. Powwows are traditionally from the Plains Indians but indians all over the country hold powwows as a way to connect with other indians, local non-indians and as a way to raise money for tribal endeavors.
The indigenous peoples of the world want to be who they are without interference. North American powwows are a way to assert and celebrate distinct ways of being and seeing the world.
For the Plains people and for powwow dancers, the powwow has spiritual significance. To keep the spiritual aspect many tribes hold “festivals” or “arts and crafts” shows instead powwows. But, the wider public expects a “powwow”. Either way there will still be dancing.
Please enjoy the photos.