Native American Intertribal Powwow coming to Tullahoma

Photo provided

Malkuri, a group of musicians from the highlands of Ecuador, will be performing at the intertribal powwow Nov. 11-12.

Indians of North America have held powwows for hundreds of years. Long before this country was called America, native people danced around the drum for celebrations, fellowship, renewal and healing. The past can not be brought back, but it can be re-visited. In an effort to hold on to traditions and to bring them to modern life, groups of Native Americans gather together in powwows.

The Native American Intertribal Powwow will be held at South Jackson Civic Center in Tullahoma on Nov. 11-12. Saturday hours are 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

A non-Indian observer will see the power and endurance of an athletic contest, the beauty of a ballet and the color display of musical theater in the round.

For Native Americans, the powwows are this, but also a way to hold their tribal people together. Tribal dances are displayed by different dancers, but they are all connected with the drum, the dance arena and the rhythm of the dance. They are all dancing to the same song, but have different melodies.

Vendors will be set up on the grounds, offering merchandise and concessions. Authentic demonstrations will be given by Tommy Clontz, primitive skills and flint knapping; Marilyn Huey, basket making; Donnie Ross, blacksmith; Tim Deane, Tipi display; David Null, puppeteer and Mike Serna, flutist.