35th Annual Nanticoke Indian Powwow Named Huge Success

The 35th annual Nanticoke Indian Powwow took place at the Nanticoke Indian Museum in Millsboro on Saturday, Sept. 8 and was marked a huge success.

“We were blessed, especially on Sunday, it rained some Saturday afternoon but a lot of folks were able to come out and enjoy it,” Chief William Daisey said. “We were able to meet a lot of new friends, probably over 40 different tribes came out and our own people came out from all over the country.”

The event was filled with American Indian drummers and singers,  visiting tribes from across Indian country, authentic Indian art & craft vendors, Nanticoke Indian Museum Tours, a Sunday morning worship service and Native American food and more.  Organizers say everyone left happy!

Powwow, a term that came from the Narragansett Eastern Algonquian language, is defined as any gathering of Native people, which is the perfect way to explain this annual event. In Indian Country, powwow is defined as a cultural event featuring groups of singing and dancing people.

“It’s a giant homecoming, we were able to meet family members, communicate and bring each other up to date,” Daisey said. “It provides a unique opportunity to pass on our experiences to our young folk and it keeps getting larger, we see a lot of old faces and young faces.”

Event organizers say gatherings like this are a great way to pass down cultural traditions from generation to generation. The artisans that traveled to Millsboro for this event have traveled across the country to attend several other events like this and sell hand made goods, serving as a welcome opportunity to visit with friends and relatives, among other things.

Native arts and crafts were being traded and sold throughout the two day event including jewelry,  pottery, moccasins, ribbon shirts, shawls, dream catchers, and paintings.

The music for this event was provided by powwow drummers and singers. The dancing going on were Native dances that originated from the spirit and soul of the Nations. Native American dance is considered alive and dynamic, a reflection of tribal heritage and personal style.

“We used to have to maintain a low profile until the ’70’s but now it is open to everyone and it’s a family event for everybody,” Daisey said. “We are truly blessed.”