The Ma-Chis Lower Creek Indian Tribe of Alabama Pow Wow will once again convene at Troy University today and Saturday. The Pow Wow will be held on the soccer field and everyone one is invited.

“The big question could be ‘do you have to be an Indian or tribal member to participate?’ and the answer is no,” said Nancy Carnley, vice chief, Ma-Chis Lower Creek Indian Tribe of Alabama. “Everyone is invited to come out and enjoy Creek Indian history and culture. It will be an adventure-packed family event with plenty of educational and recreational activities.”

The gates will open at 8:30 a.m. both days. Parking and admission are free.

Carnley said there will be a Grand Entry at noon each day. The Host Southern Drum is Silver Ridge Singes, and the Northern host drum is the Young Brave.  The Head lady is Sandy DuBose and head man Bobbie DuBose.  “The Host Southern Drum Lowery Begay (Navajo), four times World Champion Hoop Dancer, will demonstrate hoop dancing,” she said. “There will be numerous other dances performed such as jingle dance, fancy dance both male and female.  All Native Americans who dance are welcomed to compete in the various completions from tiny tots to adults.” There will be dances in which the public may participate. Photos with the dancer are permitted.

“Ryan Little Eagle Grammy award-winning native flute player will give performances both days,” Carnley said. “Lunging Bear will deliver a unique, effective anti-drug and alcohol message to the children.   He will be dressed in his full Powhatan warrior regalia.  He will have war paint on his face and a war club in his hand, an appearance of anger will be on his face.”

Carnley said Lunging Bear will be quite for a few minutes then will hit the ground with his war club declaring war on drugs, alcohol, and poisons that are killing all of the children. 

“Immediately the students get caught up in the excitement of the moment. Then, he tells the old Indian stories with a modern twist to keep the students interested,” Carnley said.  “Lunging Bear encourages interactions from the audience. He has a small gift that he gifts every student.”

Six demonstrators will demonstrate various Southeaster Indian skills including primitive tool making, primitive pottery making, basket making, beadwork and shell carving.
Food vendors will have native and non-native foods to sell. Other vendors will sell native jewelry, bows and arrows, dream catchers, pottery and leather goods. “We will have educational stations for the students to gain insight into the daily life of a Creek Indian in the 1800s,” Carnley said.  “The Children’s Zone will have a more hands-on activities archaeological dig, fishing native jewelry making, face painting.