Native American Pow Wow Set for October

The American Indian Pow Wow Association (“AIPA”), in partnership with the Big Island Resource Conservation and Development Council, Inc. (“BIRCD”), is hosting the 35th Annual Intertribal Pow Wow at Thomas Square in Honolulu, Hawaii on Saturday and Sunday, October 3rd and 4th, 2009, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, both days. Thomas Square Park is located at 925 South Beretania Street, across from the Honolulu Academy of Arts. Everyone is invited to attend this free event, which will feature dancing, drumming, singing, arts and crafts, and food. This is a traditional (no contest) powwow. No drugs or alcohol are permitted at this family friendly event.

As with every powwow, the drum is the heartbeat of the people, the lifeblood of the gathering. This year, Blackfoot Crossing, from Alberta, Canada, will be the host drum. Audiences will also be treated to performances by hoop dancers and many different types of traditional and contemporary native dancers, singers and flute players.

The Head Staff at the powwow includes: Head Man Dancer, Troy Delaney (Kainai); Head Woman Dancer, Cindy Dawson (Dine/San Carlos Apache); Master of Ceremonies, John Dawson (San Carlos Apache); and Arena Director Tom Rowland (Oglala Lakota). Guest drums include: 808NDNZ, an intertribal drum from Oahu.

There are ample volunteer opportunities for those who want to help with the pow wow—no experience required. For more information, call the American Indian Pow Wow Association (808) 497-7279 or send e-mail to aipa@hawaii.rr.com.