Post by blackcrowheart on Aug 30, 2006 15:34:50 GMT -5
Festival of Native Peoples comes to Cherokee this weekend
By Laura Blackley
CITIZEN-TIMES CORRESPONDENT
published: August 25, 2006 12:15 am
CHEROKEE — The tribes are gathering this weekend in Cherokee for the Festival of the Native Peoples, a celebration promising an eclectic array of American Indian cultures, dances, food and more.
Ten tribes have been invited to the festival, which will be held Friday and Saturday at the Cherokee fairgrounds. Think Folkmoot (the annual international folk festival), only the focus is on American Indian culture.
“This is truly an experience that people would have to travel to many areas of the United States to see and be a part of,” says Mary Ferguson, Cherokee’s director of marketing and promotion. “Arts and legends will be shared … (it) brings together untold thousands of years of cultural history.”
In addition to White Mountain Apaches and Navajo Trail Dancers, Cherokee’s own Warriors of AniKituhwa will perform their war dance.
This dance group has been designated as official cultural ambassadors by the Tribal Council of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The dancers have performed at events throughout the Southeast, including Asheville’s Bele Chere festival.
“(The Warriors of AniKituhwa) have brought back an interest in traditional dance,” Ferguson says. “Their war dance features mannerisms that are intended to strike fear into the hearts of the enemy — it’s truly awesome to watch.”
The Warriors have historically used their war dance to work toward diplomacy and peace with other nations, as well as to assist the Cherokee people with raising money for people in need. According to the Warriors’ Web site, the War Dance “conveys the strength of the Cherokee nation.’’
“It’s not just a performance, it’s not just showmanship — it’s a sharing of cultures,” Ferguson says. “Sharing of our rich (Cherokee) culture is what we like to do — letting people know who we are and what we’re about.”
Last year’s inaugural event included Zuni and Tewa (Pueblo) tribe members from New Mexico, and Alutiiq members from Kodiak, Alaska. This year promises an equally diverse lineup, with an emphasis on the uniqueness of Cherokee culture and community.
“(As many as) 10 different federally recognized tribes throughout the U.S. have been invited to Cherokee for this year’s event to perform their traditional dances,” Ferguson says. “This year’s event comes on the heels of a very successful first-year event, and we are very excited about it.”
Ferguson sums up that the collective goal for the festival is to inspire healing.
“Most of the dances come from sacred ceremonies,” Ferguson explains. “(These dances) are tailored for people to enjoy, as well as catch the spirit of healing and balance.”
Laura Blackely writes about entertainment for the Citizen-Times. E-mail LauraBlackleyBand@yahoo.com
By Laura Blackley
CITIZEN-TIMES CORRESPONDENT
published: August 25, 2006 12:15 am
CHEROKEE — The tribes are gathering this weekend in Cherokee for the Festival of the Native Peoples, a celebration promising an eclectic array of American Indian cultures, dances, food and more.
Ten tribes have been invited to the festival, which will be held Friday and Saturday at the Cherokee fairgrounds. Think Folkmoot (the annual international folk festival), only the focus is on American Indian culture.
“This is truly an experience that people would have to travel to many areas of the United States to see and be a part of,” says Mary Ferguson, Cherokee’s director of marketing and promotion. “Arts and legends will be shared … (it) brings together untold thousands of years of cultural history.”
In addition to White Mountain Apaches and Navajo Trail Dancers, Cherokee’s own Warriors of AniKituhwa will perform their war dance.
This dance group has been designated as official cultural ambassadors by the Tribal Council of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The dancers have performed at events throughout the Southeast, including Asheville’s Bele Chere festival.
“(The Warriors of AniKituhwa) have brought back an interest in traditional dance,” Ferguson says. “Their war dance features mannerisms that are intended to strike fear into the hearts of the enemy — it’s truly awesome to watch.”
The Warriors have historically used their war dance to work toward diplomacy and peace with other nations, as well as to assist the Cherokee people with raising money for people in need. According to the Warriors’ Web site, the War Dance “conveys the strength of the Cherokee nation.’’
“It’s not just a performance, it’s not just showmanship — it’s a sharing of cultures,” Ferguson says. “Sharing of our rich (Cherokee) culture is what we like to do — letting people know who we are and what we’re about.”
Last year’s inaugural event included Zuni and Tewa (Pueblo) tribe members from New Mexico, and Alutiiq members from Kodiak, Alaska. This year promises an equally diverse lineup, with an emphasis on the uniqueness of Cherokee culture and community.
“(As many as) 10 different federally recognized tribes throughout the U.S. have been invited to Cherokee for this year’s event to perform their traditional dances,” Ferguson says. “This year’s event comes on the heels of a very successful first-year event, and we are very excited about it.”
Ferguson sums up that the collective goal for the festival is to inspire healing.
“Most of the dances come from sacred ceremonies,” Ferguson explains. “(These dances) are tailored for people to enjoy, as well as catch the spirit of healing and balance.”
Laura Blackely writes about entertainment for the Citizen-Times. E-mail LauraBlackleyBand@yahoo.com