Native American Culture Celebrated at
16th Annual Greenville Pow Wow, Saturday

 

by: Bobby McDonald

"We've been coming to Greenville, Texas, for this annual Pow Wow, for sixteen years," exclaimed one of the Native American organizers of the event. "And, it just keeps getting bigger each year and more dancers and spectators attend, more people learning about the Native American Culture and our own people showing pride in their heritage. That's what it is all about!"

 

 

Saturday's gathering of all the recognized Native American Tribes, at the Greenville High School Gym and Auditorium, featured Native American Dances, a colorful grand entry, a tribute to those Native Americans serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, and a number of booths and crafts constructed by individual members of the various tribes. Money raised at the annual event is given in scholarships to Native American students, wishing to pursue a college education. "It's so expensive to get an education these days," allowed one of the organizers. "So, we attempt to make it easier for the children of our tribes to get a quality education!"

 

     

 

And, education is one of the main features of the annual Pow Wow, in that it gives the Native Americans the opportunity to educate the public about their unique culture and the rich heritage that they possess in this country. "We want to teach our children and the general public about the many great contributions that Native Americans have made to the history of this nation," stated one of the Pow Wow participants. "It's an opportunity to develop pride in our nation and to teach our youngsters just what an impact that their culture has made in the formation of the United States. After all, we were here long before the 'white man' set foot on the soil, that would eventually become this nation!"

 

 

 

 

"Our history has rich meaning and spiritual significance and it's always a colorful affair, to see Native American dancers, in costume," denoted one of the dancers. "We enjoy exhibiting our culture and hopefully we're educating the general public, as we go about our ritual dances!"

Saturday's event began in the morning and lasted until approximately 10:00 p.m., on Saturday, in Greenville.

Enjoy these photos of the Greenville Pow Wow!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

_______