By By Janet Little Cooper
The Poarch Band of Creek Indians' Pow Wow has become a Thanksgiving tradition for thousands of people from all over the United States.
Tribal members have been working around the clock to prepare for the influx of people who will converge on the Tribal grounds tomorrow morning when the gates open at 9 a.m.
This year's Pow wow returns to the original two-day event this year with activities planned for Friday as well.
"We have many activities planned to entertain and educate visitors about the traditions and culture of the Poarch Creek Indians, and other visiting Tribes," PCI community relations director Sharon Delmar said. "These include the inter-tribal dance competition, Native American crafts, and cultural presentations. For the children we have train rides, greased pig chase, turkey shoot, and a rock climbing wall."
Mound activities will begin Thanksgiving Day at 9:30 a.m. with a dance presentation from the Philadelphia Choctaw Tri-Community Dancers.
The Oklahoma Creek Stomp Dancers at 10:15 a.m., a hoop dancer at 11 a.m., and the Aztec Dancers will follow them at 11:15 a.m.
Open ceremonies for the 36th annual Pow wow will begin at noon with a welcome address from Tribal chairman, Buford Rolin.
The presentation of the Tribal Youth Princess Contest will follow as female Tribal members compete for the title of Tribal Princess in varying age groups.
Elementary contestants include: Hannah Gibson, Dariane Guy, Melea McGhee and Kortlan Peebles. Junior contestants include: Brooke Tullis, Danielle Martin, Kaitlin Rolin, Deidre Smith and Taylor Wiggins. Senior contestants include: Brooke Bell, Hillary Rolin and Heather White.
The Grand Entry and Inter-Tribal Dance and dance competition will begin at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. in the Dance Arena. A stomp dance will conclude the Thanksgiving Day festivities at the Wellness and Activities Center (gym) in Poarch.
This year's event will also feature Southeastern Indian Cultural Presentations by Tribal Historic Preservation Officer, Robert Thrower throughout the day on Thursday at the Calvin McGhee Cultural Center.
The gates will once again open at 9 a.m. on Friday followed by the first mound activities featuring the Philadelphia Choctaw Tri-Community Dancers at 9:30 a.m.
The grand entry will occur at 11 a.m. Friday and the Pow wow will shut down at 5 p.m. Friday evening with prize money being awarded.
"This is our 36th Annual Thanksgiving Day Pow Wow, and I invite anyone who wants to learn more about American Indian culture, specifically the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, to come spend their Thanksgiving with us." Robert R. McGhee, Tribal Administrator said.
Southeastern Indian Cultural Presentations
Nov. 23, 2006
10 a.m. – Misconceptions and contributions of the Southeastern Indians.
11 a.m. – Hunting and fishing techniques of the Southeastern Indians.
1 p.m. – The Indian Way: Daily life of the Southeastern Indians
2 p.m. – Cultures in Collision: The effect of European contact and trade upon Southeastern Indian Culture.
3 p.m. – Misconceptions and contributions/Hunting and fishing techniques.
4 p.m. – The Indian Way/Cultures in Collision.