Post by Okwes on Jan 13, 2008 18:11:22 GMT -5
Virginia’s American Indians dance to educate on tradition, history
Posted to: News
© June 9, 2007
By Christopher Baxter
The Virginian-Pilot
NORFOLK
The powwow and dance circle in Harbor Park yesterday meant more than lemonade and grilled corn to the eight remaining Virginia American Indian tribes.
It was an afternoon of reconciliation, highlighted by the gift of eight ceremonial wooden poles commissioned by Sail Virginia 2007 and carved by local artisan Mike Bell.
“It’s a form of healing,” said Wayne Adkins of the Chickahominy tribe. “It’s been 400 years of hard feelings and mistreatment, both by the Indians and the English. Sharing our story, as friends, won’t fix everything, but it will go a long way .”
The poles, presented by Mayor Paul Fraim, encircled a small plot of grass and formed a stage for the dancers. Wearing buckskin garb and donning tall feather headdresses, they marched to the beat of the drum and flew their tribes’ flags high.
Women held woven shawls and feather fans as they marched stoically in circles. The men gripped animal skin shields and crouched low, reenacting the hunt. Together, the dancers hoped to educate the public on the modern history of their people .
“There were at least 40 tribes in Virginia in 1607,” Adkins said to the crowd of about 50 people. “Only eight remain.”
Ken Adkins, chief of Upper Mattaponi, said his tribe was invited to participate in the Sail Virginia festivities about a year ago. History aside, he said, it’s an opportunity to celebrate and be proud of their American Indian heritage.
“The folks from Poland present their culture with their song and dance; the Irish people present their culture; African Americans present their culture,” he said. “Even though they all have negative components, they still all enjoy presenting their culture.”
Kelly Adkins and her 5-year-old daughter, Kayla, smiled as they performed an exhibition for onlookers. Adkins, an Eastern Cherokee, danced with her brightly colored shawl while Kayla, a Chickahominy, stepped quickly, jingling rows of small metal cones on her dress.
“I like being an Indian,” Kayla said, watching her mom skip and twirl with her dad, Troy, also a Chickahominy. “I like it a real lot.”
Kayla began dancing three years ago, and now represents a revival of her parents’ roots. “She’s my partner,” her mom said . “It’s the greatest gift I could have given her.”
Christopher Baxter, (757)
446-2405, christopher.baxter
@pilotonline.com
Posted to: News
© June 9, 2007
By Christopher Baxter
The Virginian-Pilot
NORFOLK
The powwow and dance circle in Harbor Park yesterday meant more than lemonade and grilled corn to the eight remaining Virginia American Indian tribes.
It was an afternoon of reconciliation, highlighted by the gift of eight ceremonial wooden poles commissioned by Sail Virginia 2007 and carved by local artisan Mike Bell.
“It’s a form of healing,” said Wayne Adkins of the Chickahominy tribe. “It’s been 400 years of hard feelings and mistreatment, both by the Indians and the English. Sharing our story, as friends, won’t fix everything, but it will go a long way .”
The poles, presented by Mayor Paul Fraim, encircled a small plot of grass and formed a stage for the dancers. Wearing buckskin garb and donning tall feather headdresses, they marched to the beat of the drum and flew their tribes’ flags high.
Women held woven shawls and feather fans as they marched stoically in circles. The men gripped animal skin shields and crouched low, reenacting the hunt. Together, the dancers hoped to educate the public on the modern history of their people .
“There were at least 40 tribes in Virginia in 1607,” Adkins said to the crowd of about 50 people. “Only eight remain.”
Ken Adkins, chief of Upper Mattaponi, said his tribe was invited to participate in the Sail Virginia festivities about a year ago. History aside, he said, it’s an opportunity to celebrate and be proud of their American Indian heritage.
“The folks from Poland present their culture with their song and dance; the Irish people present their culture; African Americans present their culture,” he said. “Even though they all have negative components, they still all enjoy presenting their culture.”
Kelly Adkins and her 5-year-old daughter, Kayla, smiled as they performed an exhibition for onlookers. Adkins, an Eastern Cherokee, danced with her brightly colored shawl while Kayla, a Chickahominy, stepped quickly, jingling rows of small metal cones on her dress.
“I like being an Indian,” Kayla said, watching her mom skip and twirl with her dad, Troy, also a Chickahominy. “I like it a real lot.”
Kayla began dancing three years ago, and now represents a revival of her parents’ roots. “She’s my partner,” her mom said . “It’s the greatest gift I could have given her.”
Christopher Baxter, (757)
446-2405, christopher.baxter
@pilotonline.com