4th Annual Native American Heritage Celebration in Townsend!
Author: Sarah Tallwhiteman
4th Annual Native American Heritage Celebration in Townsend!
Sarah Tallwhiteman
November is Native American Heritage Month. People of all cultures are encouraged to spend more time focusing on the traditions and history of our First Nations people. Sunday, November 2nd, from 11 am to 2 pm, Broadwater County and surrounding areas are invited to do just that!
The Annual Celebration began in 2022 with a few local native artists and homemade frybread and has easily doubled in both Native American artist and Townsend community participation each year since!
Last year we were able to use the Townsend Schools’ cafeteria and commons area to accommodate several vendors, including the Last Chance Community Pow Wow Committee’s Frybread Specialists. The space worked so well that we are holding the event there again this year.
We are excited to welcome vendors who have attended in the past: Last Chance Community Pow Wow and their Frybread Stand, Magpie Singers and Dancers drumming and sharing their songs, Bones, Stones and Brass with their indigenous crafts (rattles, drums & more), and welcoming back Sea of Grass Designs, who were one of the event’s first ever vendors.
We are also excited to include a few vendors who are new to our event. J and J Native Crafts' handmade fleece tie blankets and jewelry, Vanne's Sweetgrass- Hierochloe odorata, who grows, creates and teaches with sweetgrass, and Tip Top Feathers with her intricately hand-painted feather designs are among them, and we hope to welcome more!
All of our vendors will be offering unique and beautiful products that will make cherished keepsakes, gifts and decorations for yourself or a loved one. Be ready to ask our special vendors about the stories behind their handmade crafts to learn and gain a deeper respect and understanding.
The doors of the N Pine St entrance of Townsend Schools will open for visitors and participants at 11:00 am and close at 2:00 pm. There is FREE admittance, and all ages are welcome! Donations made to the Last Chance Community Pow Wow are very appreciated!
Come ready to taste fresh, made-to-order frybread and Indian Tacos, listen to the drumming and singing of the Magpie Singers, and watch the bright and intricate designs of the dancers in their regalia as they dance their prayers to the heartbeat of the drum.
Anyone who attends is invited to respectfully ask questions, participate in some of the song and dance, and most of all learn more about the beautiful customs and traditions of our First Nations people.
We hope to see you there!
