The drumbeats, dancing and stories of dozens of Native American tribes will return to Long Hunter State Park in Nashville this weekend.
The 45th annual Indian Education Tennessee Pow Wow, hosted by The Native American Indian Association of Tennessee, will take place Oct. 16-18.
The powwow is a celebration of Native American culture "that opens eyes to living history," said Ray Emanuel, the Native American Indian Association of Tennessee’s longstanding director.
Native American dance, storytelling, arts and crafts, food and interactive lifestyle experiences are all part of the powwow, which drew about 14,000 people last year.
“Powwow is a sacred time for many of us. It is a celebration of who we are, a connection to our ancestors, and an opportunity
to pass our traditions to future generations," said Gloria Littlemouse, a professor at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing with Navajo heritage. "For non-Native visitors, it is an invitation to learn, listen, ask respectful questions, and move beyond stereotypes toward genuine cultural understanding."
Students and school personnel can attend for free from 8 a.m., Friday, Oct. 16. Seniors and disabled persons can also attend for free.
Littlemouse will lead free educational tours starting at noon, Oct. 17, for visitors to learn more about Indigenous cultures. Emanuel said up to 40 Native American tribes will be represented.
The powwow acts as a fundraiser for the NAIA’s continued effort to build a new Circle of Life Indian Cultural Center on Bell Road in Antioch. The NAIA owns the land. Currently, the NAIA works out of an older former house on Spence Lane. The center would centralize programs and offices and include a museum for groups and schools.
The NAIA has raised about $2.1 million toward the project with around $4 million needed to break ground.
What to know: Nashville powwow and fundraiser
- What: 45th annual Indian Education Tennessee Pow Wow and fundraiser, hosted by The Native American Indian Association of Tennessee
- Where: Long Hunter State Park, 2910 Hobson Pike, Nashville
- When: Friday through Sunday, Oct. 16-18
- Tickets: Adults $10; Seniors, veterans and ages 6-12 $5; Ages 5-under and persons with disabilities are admitted free. Tickets are available at the gate and must be paid for in cash.
- Friday school days: Students and school personnel can attend for free from 8 a.m., Friday, Oct. 16. Seniors and disabled persons can also attend for free. Gates open at 9 a.m., and activities start at 10 a.m.
- Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 17-18 hours: Gates open at 9 a.m., activities start at 10 a.m. Opening ceremonies are at 11 a.m., both days. The powwow goes until dark Friday and Saturday and to 5 p.m. Sunday.
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This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Up to 40 tribes expected at Nashville powwow celebrating indigenous culture
