Post by blackcrowheart on Jan 23, 2008 19:43:17 GMT -5
Native Americans gather at YMCA to honor their heritage
By AMY C. RIPPEL
Correspondent
DELTONA -- Susan Ramey knew where she wanted to be on Saturday -- one step closer to her past, and the Deltona YMCA Pow Wow brought her there.
Ramey, Lake Helen, says she is a native American and loves the sound of beating drums and the spectacle of American Indian dancers dressed in colorful garb. She loves anything to do with her heritage and the Pow Wow inspired her.
"It gave me a little taste of it," she said. "The costumes are awesome."
More than 3,000 people wandered the Deltona YMCA grounds Friday through Sunday to watch dancers and better understand American Indian history and culture. This is the second year the Deltona YMCA sponsored the fundraising event.
Denise Nystrom, teen and family director, said the event helps the community better understand different aspects of cultural diversity. "It's such an opportunity for the Native Americans to explain the culture, crafts, their ways and beliefs," she said. "This is just one more way to know in Deltona that we are culturally diverse."
The event was in a large grassy field behind the Deltona YMCA building. In the center of the grassy field was a 90-foot circle, called an arena, which was used for dancing. Dancers waiting for their turns sat on benches that surrounded the arena, while spectators sat nearby looking at the colorful costumes.
Carol Wade of Port St. Lucie said she and her husband travel across the state to attend Pow Wows. They attend at least 12 a year. "I love coming to Pow Wows, she said, adding that she goes to them because of the "spiritual aspects of respecting yourself, the Earth and other people."
Chief Marvin Taylor of the Native American People's Society of Florida said a Pow Wow is very spiritual.
Owl Goingback, a Winter Park resident who has two sons who are Native American dancers, said Pow Wows are part of their heritage.
"The teachings are part of our daily life," he said. "It's very spiritual."
The DeLand YMCA, 761 E. International Speedway Blvd, will be host to a Pow Wow from Feb. 22 to Feb. 24. Admission is $3 per person.
What is a Pow Wow?
A Pow Wow is a gathering of American Indians for dancing, singing, making friends, renewing old friendships and preserving their heritage.
· A Pow Wow begins with the Grand Entry, in which all the participants enter the arena together dressed in full regalia.
· Singing and dancing are important parts of the Pow Wow.
· The songs are reminders of American Indians' rich heritage and old ways.
· Among the popular dances are the snake and buffalo dance and the two step.
· Pow Wows are usually non-profit. They depend on donations, raffles, blanket dances, etc. for support.
SOURCE: powwows.com
By AMY C. RIPPEL
Correspondent
DELTONA -- Susan Ramey knew where she wanted to be on Saturday -- one step closer to her past, and the Deltona YMCA Pow Wow brought her there.
Ramey, Lake Helen, says she is a native American and loves the sound of beating drums and the spectacle of American Indian dancers dressed in colorful garb. She loves anything to do with her heritage and the Pow Wow inspired her.
"It gave me a little taste of it," she said. "The costumes are awesome."
More than 3,000 people wandered the Deltona YMCA grounds Friday through Sunday to watch dancers and better understand American Indian history and culture. This is the second year the Deltona YMCA sponsored the fundraising event.
Denise Nystrom, teen and family director, said the event helps the community better understand different aspects of cultural diversity. "It's such an opportunity for the Native Americans to explain the culture, crafts, their ways and beliefs," she said. "This is just one more way to know in Deltona that we are culturally diverse."
The event was in a large grassy field behind the Deltona YMCA building. In the center of the grassy field was a 90-foot circle, called an arena, which was used for dancing. Dancers waiting for their turns sat on benches that surrounded the arena, while spectators sat nearby looking at the colorful costumes.
Carol Wade of Port St. Lucie said she and her husband travel across the state to attend Pow Wows. They attend at least 12 a year. "I love coming to Pow Wows, she said, adding that she goes to them because of the "spiritual aspects of respecting yourself, the Earth and other people."
Chief Marvin Taylor of the Native American People's Society of Florida said a Pow Wow is very spiritual.
Owl Goingback, a Winter Park resident who has two sons who are Native American dancers, said Pow Wows are part of their heritage.
"The teachings are part of our daily life," he said. "It's very spiritual."
The DeLand YMCA, 761 E. International Speedway Blvd, will be host to a Pow Wow from Feb. 22 to Feb. 24. Admission is $3 per person.
What is a Pow Wow?
A Pow Wow is a gathering of American Indians for dancing, singing, making friends, renewing old friendships and preserving their heritage.
· A Pow Wow begins with the Grand Entry, in which all the participants enter the arena together dressed in full regalia.
· Singing and dancing are important parts of the Pow Wow.
· The songs are reminders of American Indians' rich heritage and old ways.
· Among the popular dances are the snake and buffalo dance and the two step.
· Pow Wows are usually non-profit. They depend on donations, raffles, blanket dances, etc. for support.
SOURCE: powwows.com