Special to The Democrat
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Eddie Yellowfish, Osage-Otoe-Comanche, of Oklahoma City,
Oklahoma, will serve as the head singer of the Southern Drum at the Natchez
Powwow set for March 28-29 on the Natchez Bluff. Photo Courtesy of Eddie Yellowfish (Click on image to enlarge.) |
“As we say each year, this is a wholesome family event
that provides good entertainment and a celebration of the Native American
culture in a safe environment,” said Natchez Powwow Chairman Dr. Chuck Borum.
“We invite everyone to come enjoy themselves. This is a great time to meet
people and build relationships while learning about Native American
traditions.”
The Natchez Powwow is an annual event that celebrates
Indigenous culture through music, singing, and traditional dance. In addition
to participants wearing colorful Native American regalia, the event features
food, arts and crafts, and more.
Admission is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs for seating.
Powwow program
This year’s powwow will feature Frank Carson,
Otoe-Pawnee, of Stillwater, Oklahoma, as master of ceremonies; and Darsh
DeSilva of Round Rock, Texas, as arena director.
Eddie Yellowfish, Osage-Otoe-Comanche, of Oklahoma City,
Oklahoma, will serve as the head singer of the Southern Drum; and Free “Bird”
Kasler, Otoe, of Chouteau, Oklahoma, as head man dancer.
The program will also feature Wonzie Kline Kole,
Mescalero Apache-Comanche of Dallas as the head lady dancer; and James Barton
of Summerville, South Carolina, as the head gourd dancer.
Yellowfish said Tuesday he is looking forward to the
Natchez Powwow, which will be his first visit.
“I feel honored to do this,” he said. “Everyone speaks
highly of this dance and gathering.”
He said other singers have told him that “they always
enjoyed the dance” at the powwow in Natchez.
Yellowfish said a powwow is special for many reasons. In addition to being a “gathering of tribes” and recognizing one’s culture, “it’s a chance for us to honor tradition and sing old songs and help everyone have a good feeling,” he said.
He added that he appreciates the community coming
together for the powwow events. “I think the powwow is a good thing to share
with people of other cultures,” he said.
Oscar-nominated songwriter
Supporting Yellowfish at the drum this year will be
Oscar-nominated songwriter Scott George of Hominy, Oklahoma, who will return to
Natchez. He has participated in the Natchez Powwow around five or six times, he
said.
George composed, “Wahzhazhe (A Song for My People),” that was featured in Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon.” On Sunday, March 10, 2024, George and the Osage Tribal Singers performed the song at the 96th Academy Awards.
George said in a recent interview that it is hard to
describe the experience and recognition he and the Osage Singers received for
their performance at the Oscars.
“We were caught up in the moment doing what we were asked
to do,” he said. “We didn’t think too much about it until it was done, and then
we couldn’t believe we were there.”
He added that “it was an overwhelming opportunity” for
them. “We didn’t have time to get nervous,” he said. “We practiced many times,
and we got through it without any mistakes.”
Because of the bright stage lights, they could not see
the massive audience during the performance. George said it was only when they
watched the performance on YouTube and television did they truly see and feel
the power of the standing ovation, he said.
George said they also enjoyed seeing the celebrities,
like Dwayne Johnson, who took photos with them.
As for the song itself, George said its inspiration came
from his tribal history. “The words in the song are asking my people to stand
up,” he said. “’Stand up. God made this for us.’ We always heard our old
people, even back before the Civil War, pray that we would still be here.”
Since its founding in 1988 by Borum, the Natchez Powwow has generated national publicity through its participants and performers. In 2018, the Natchez Powwow was listed as one of the top 20 events of that year by the Southeast Tourism Society.
Powwow schedule
Saturday, March 28 9 a.m. -- Food and Craft and Farmer
Market Vendors open 12:30 p.m. -- Gourd Dance 2 p.m. -- Grand Entry and
Intertribal Dancing 4 p.m. -- Camp Feed for Singers and Dancers and
family/friends 6 p.m. -- Gourd Dance 7 p.m. -- Grand Entry and Intertribal
Dancing 9 p.m. – Closing Sunday, March 29 9 a.m. -- Food and Craft Vendors open
12:30 p.m. -- Gourd Dance 2 p.m. -- Grand Entry and Intertribal Dancing
As noted on the event’s website, alcohol is prohibited at
the powwow. It is not allowed in the powwow area or in the trader or food
vending area.
Borum said the powwow is financially supported by local
Natchez businesses, individuals, and the Natchez Convention Promotion
Commission/Visit Natchez.
For more information on the powwow, visit https://www.natchezpowwow.com, or send email to Powwow Chairman Dr. Chuck Borum at cborum@hotmail.com.
https://www.natchezdemocrat.com/news/natchez-powwow-set-for-march-28-29-on-the-bluff-a1ca4b45
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