Native Americans share history through dance

Native Americans in traditional dress twirled and danced in Pike County elementary schools Monday.

As part of Native American Heritage Month, the Poarch Band of Creek Indians Pow Wow Club visited Banks Elementary, Pike County Elementary and Goshen Elementary in an effort to share their culture.

“There are vibrant and beautiful movements that mean something,” said Pam Franklin, Indian Education Coordinator for Pike County Schools. “We learn stories and history through their dance.”

Larry Flurnoy is the announcer for the Pow Wow Club and his son, Colby, is one of the dancers.

“We share our native traditions whenever and wherever we are invited,” Flurnoy said. “We try to get out to schools to stress to people how important it is not to forget where you came from.”

The Pow Wow Club is based at the reservation in Atmore and is open to 10 to 18 year olds. The students have to maintain a good grade point average and have near perfect attendance.

The Poarch Band of Creek Indians is hosting a Pow Wow this Thursday and Friday that is open to the public. The admission price is $5 and there will be about 500 dancers present.

“We invite everyone to come see our traditions and our history told through dance,” Flurnoy said. “When I was a kid, we all came together on Thanksgiving with a covered dish for a local celebration. Now, it’s open to everyone who is interested in our culture.”