Colorful powwow celebrates spirit

By Robert Deckert
Staff Writer

Ceremonial drums and singing could be heard from all around as Native Americans glorified the fall powwow in celebration of the harvest.            

The fall powwow in the English E. Jones Health and Physical Education Center auxiliary gym Oct. 26 was sponsored by the Native American Resource Center, UNCP Office of Student Life, and the NC Arts Council.

Becky Leviner, public information assistant of the Native American Resource Center, said the powwow was also “to raise awareness on campus of the school’s history.”            

Once the colors were posted, Head Man Dancer Billy Hunt and Head Lady Dancer Rebecca Brown lead the way for all the dancers who varied in age and experience.

Traditional Lumbee Indian artists Herman and Loretta Oxendine displayed Native American works of art, from pit-fired pottery to long leaf pine needle baskets.            

Herman said, “This is the way we’ve been doing it for hundreds of years,” in reference to the difficult, traditional methods of making fire pit pottery.

Among the art works displayed at the powwow,  were traditional Native American clothing and jewelry.