The Second Annual Powwow 

 

Presented by the Council of Three Rivers American Indian Center, this powwow celebrates the one-year anniversary of the opening of Carnegie Museum of Natural History's Alcoa Foundation Hall of American Indians. 

Held in the museum's rear courtyard, the powwow will feature American Indians from various tribes singing and dancing, as well as art, crafts and food. 
 
The powwow expresses and sustains American Indian heritages by observing old traditions.  Each day begins with an exciting grand entry of all the dancers in their spectacular regalia. The procession begins with Eagle Feather Staff and Flag Bearers.  Following are Head Dancers - one man, one woman and perhaps a child or youth--all highly respected community members.  Finally the dancers enter, including traditional grass, jingle dress, fancy and shawl dancers. 
 
Throughout the day, visitors will enjoy watching intertribal dances, men's and women's traditional and fancy dances, hoop dances and shawl dances.  Those inspired by the drumbeat can join in a variety of social dances, such as the round dance, rabbit dance and snake dance.  There will also be special performances periodically. 
 
After working up an appetite in the dance area, powwow participants can indulge in traditional American Indian foods.  There will also be vending booths to purchase authentic American Indian treasures such as jewelry, baskets, clothing, quilts, pottery, or artwork by Rex Begaye—a native American artist from Florida.  Children will also delight in participating in a variety of activities including making their own crafts to take home.