The 34th Annual Nanticoke Powwow, set for Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 10 and 11, will once again feature a celebration of Native American arts and culture.
Among the cultural events expected to be performed is the Jingle Dance. Known also as the Healing Dance, the Jingle Dance originated with the Ojibwe in the Great Lakes region. The dress itself is said to have originated as a means of healing a medicine man’s granddaughter. In a dream, the elder was told to construct a jingle dress and have his granddaughter dance in it, and she was healed.
The colorful dress is covered with rolled-up snuff can lids attached with bright-colored ribbons. The jingles are close enough together to hit one another, creating a near-musical, happy sound much like rain. Dancers perform simple zigzag steps - no high stepping or fancy footwork - and make the jingles sway. The jingles are attached to soft cloth such as taffeta or cotton. The dancer is judged by her footwork and grace.
The powwow grounds are located in the middle of a naturally beautiful wooded area off Route 24, John J. Williams Highway. Powwow signs will be posted along Route 24 between routes 113 and 1. Powwow grounds open at 10 a.m., and Grand Entry on Saturday will be at noon with a second dance session at 4 p.m. Sunday morning begins with a worship service at 10 a.m.; Grand Entry on Sunday is at 1 p.m., and celebrations continue through the afternoon.
The 40 Native American crafts and food vendors open at 10 a.m. Saturday and noon on Sunday. All-day parking, including admission, is $10 per car; walk-in admission is $2 for adults and $1 for children, $5 for motorcycles, and $25 for buses plus $2 for each person on the bus to be collected by the bus driver.
For additional information, call 302-945-3400.
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