Occaneechi-Saponi Tribal Pow-wow

[Forest]

Just to give folks an early heads up; the Annual Occaneechi-Saponi Spring Pow-wow this year will be June 8 & 9, 2007. This year it will NOT be held in Hillsborough, but on the Occaneechi Tribal grounds on Daily Store Road off NC 119 approximately 11 miles north of Mebane, NC. Primative camping is available on site, and there is a Holiday Inn Express and Hampton Inn in Mebane. Drums and personnel are not firmed up yet. More specific info may be had by calling the Tribal Office at 919-304-3723.

This is not a contest pow-wow, hopefully just a good time for everyone. We are shooting for having our reconstructed Village up by pow-wow time, depending on how the weather goes between now and then.

Please let folks know about the move to the tribal grounds, so nobody gets confused.

[Mousini78]

Hey Forest...just a suggestion....but, maybe putting up large signs in Hillsborough will bring the crowd out to you. I know some times we have a hard time finding a pow wow because the signs are so small or only colored ribbons. Would love more information when you have it available...please come back and keep us updated.

[sammarroq]

Forest,

I was so looking forward to coming for the Pow-wow, but my eldest daughter graduates on the 8th of June. However, I will be stopping by some time this summer, thanks for the update.

Shirley

[Forest]

hi Folks,
We realize that, with moving the festival, we will need to do a bang-up job of advertising, particularly in the Triangle area (Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill) We will also increase our focus on the Triad (Greensboro area), since it is now pretty much between the two regions.

Some folks have wondered why we moved, but the Council's general feeling was that it was time to make better use of the tribal grounds, where we already have electricity and water on site, and make it more accessible to the tribal community, which is centered in Alamance county. We may see a drop in public attendance for a few years, but with time that should rectify itself. If the public wants to attend a pow-wow, they can find it in Pleasant Grove as easy as in Hillsborough. Hopefully, in the rural setting, it will be an even better event.

Now, if anyone has any shade trees that will grow to about 60' in 5 months, pass along the info, will you.....

[Mousini78]

Forest, any updates on the pow wow? I saw the article in the paper about moving the village. Have you any idea who will emcee and the drums?

[Forest]

As of now, John "Blackfeather" Jeffries will be the MC, and Eastern Bull will be one of the drums. We will be inviting a second drum, as yet unconfirmed, for that weekend. Head dancers have yet to be named.

We are HOPING to have the reconstructed Village set up by Pow-wow time, depending largely on the weather this spring. Yesterday we moved about half the palisade poles from Hillsborough to the tribal grounds, and should get the rest within a week or so. The plan is for the new village to be as histroically authentic as possible, so that it can serve as a teaching tool for both tribal members as well as the general public. Tribal members will be going through training workshops to prepare them to work in the village as interpreters, which will assist some of our folks who are unemployed or underemployed.

I'll let you know as soon as any further pow-wow info becomes finalized.

[redfox]

don't forget to post info on powwows.com and 500nations.com so others in the indian community have the information.

[Forest]

Thanks, we'll do that.

[Buffalowm]

Forest,
I attended the one in 2005 on the Tribal grounds and I must say there was something so spiritual about being on the grounds. I remember it was raining so hard and when I turned onto the road to the Tribal grounds there was no rain. I was looking forward to coming this past year and sorry there was not one. At the time I was living in Roxboro. It may be a good idea to get the word out in Person Co as well.

I look forward to seeing you guys this year and of course dancing.

Jade :D

[Forest]

Hi Jade
Glad you braved the weather. That would have been our fall gathering, which has been discontinued to better concentrate on the June gathering. We USUALLY don't have too many worries about the rain in June. We'll be advertising in The Roxboro paper also.
Thanks
Forest

[Sophronia]

Hello Forest, i found out about the upcoming pow-wow from someone I email and who has been to the 2006 one. She has the date as May 12th. Which is correct? I am a registered member of Saponitown and a cousin of Felicia Cigelski. Did not get the info from her. I am a resident of New Jersey. Sophronia

[Forest]

Hi Sophronia,
May 12 is the Pow-wow sponsored by Occoneechee State Park in Clarksville, Va.
The Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation Pow-wow is June 8 & 9 this year, and is in Mebane, NC.

It always causes a little confusion each year. We have a couple folks that are supposed to be involved with the planning of the Clarksville Pow-wow, but I have only heard bits and pieces of how that is progressing.

[Sophronia]

Thanks Forest, for clarifying those dates. I will inform my family, the Cannon and Boyds, some who live in VA and NC,
, and try to make one, if not both, of them. Is there a charge/cost? Is there a list of upcoming events/affairs/workshops that I can get? Please send me all pertinent information to my email address:SophroniaB@webtv.net. Thanks again. Sophronia

[Mousini78]

Hey Forest
I saw the article in the Durham Herald this morning. Sounds like things are progressing well. Are there plans to have a camping area that is more than just primitive, eventually? That was the main concern that I heard over the weekend at the NCSSM pow wow. Saw the flyers there...that's the best way to get info out there.

[Sophronia]

Hey Forest
I saw the article in the Durham Herald this morning. Sounds like things are progressing well. Are there plans to have a camping area that is more than just primitive, eventually? That was the main concern that I heard over the weekend at the NCSSM pow wow. Saw the flyers there...that's the best way to get info out there.
I Think that is a great idea/suggestion. Hope it materializes soon. Sophronia

[pamela ridings]

thank u all for being her for us we need our backgrounds
pam ridings

[Forest]

Hi Folks,
(1) Admission is $5 General, $3 Seniors and under 12's. Babies are free.
(2) We are still dveloping plans for the site. As of now, plans include

Pow-wow grounds (done)
Orchards (done)
Reconstructed Village (in progress)
1880's Log Farm (2007-2008)
1940's Tenant Farm (2007-2008)
Nature Trail (2007-2008)
Tribal Center Bldg. with office/meeting/classroom space plus museum (2008-2009)

Hopefully we will be able to set aside an area for camping that will at least have water/electic in it, but for the time being "primitive" is the best we can offer.

[Mousini78]

Sounds like things are really moving along....that's great. Hopefully, the weather will cooperate...and not be too hot. But, that's what they make canopies for, right?

[Sophronia]

Hi Folks,
(1) Admission is $5 General, $3 Seniors and under 12's. Babies are free.
(2) We are still dveloping plans for the site. As of now, plans include

Pow-wow grounds (done)
Orchards (done)
Reconstructed Village (in progress)
1880's Log Farm (2007-2008)
1940's Tenant Farm (2007-2008)
Nature Trail (2007-2008)
Tribal Center Bldg. with office/meeting/classroom space plus museum (2008-2009)

Hopefully we will be able to set aside an area for camping that will at least have water/electic in it, but for the time being "primitive" is the best we can offer.
Forest Hi; That is the information for the June 8-9 pow=wow in Mebane, NC, right?? That information was not for the May 12th one, in Clarksville, VA. is it? Sorry if I am being repetitive. Thanks loads~~~~Sophronia

[Mousini78]

Here's the link for the PDF file for the flyer...this one is June 8-9. We plan to attend since it's close to us. Hope to see some of you folks there.
Becky

http://www.occaneechi-saponi.org/downloadables/powwow007.pdf

[beeleaf]

Thanks! I'm hoping to be there & get to meet some of y'all. If so, there will be 3 of us from the triad wandering around together.

[Mousini78]

We are planning on being there. Also planning on taking the canopy as well since there is really no shade, everything is out in the open field. Of course, the last time it rained, I think...but, that felt good, too. Don't forget to bring your comfy chairs, too. And we usually pack a cooler with ice to help cool down. A washrag in a ziploc bag stuck in ice feels soooooo good. The weatherman says it's gonna be a hot one....95!

We're pretty recognizable....Ken is tall and I am short. He's the old goat with the gray shaggy stuff on his chin. We may wear our Flat River Gravefinder hats....or maybe have him wear his blaze orange one...LOL. Any way, Forest knows who we are and can point us out. Linda, are you going?? How about you, Jade??
Becky

[Linda]

My mommy is coming out Wednesday and I need the weekend to prepare for her visit, so no, I won't be able to make it.

[Mousini78]

Ok, the Herald (Durham paper) is reporting the old location. So Forest am I to assume that the tribal grounds are still the correct location?? Please let us know if there has been a change in location.....I am assuming that the paper used old information.
Thanks
Becky

[beeleaf]

Hey Becky,

Thanks for the reminder to bring chairs and stuff!

We should be easy to spot. Probably 2 of the fairest skinned women there, walking around with a tiny little Apache-Aztec friend who tans in the shade. I'll wear my cap that reads "Bb".

I don't tolerate heat very well, so we may be there fairly late in the day.

[Sophronia]

Beeleaf,That chairs reminder from Becky is a great one. Umbrellas or something for shade seems like a good idea too along with some sun protection such as a hat, sun screen, sleeves. I am sun intolerant too. Love the Summer months though~~~Sophronia

[JeffDB]

Hi Everybody, You don't know haw bad I wish I could go to this Pow Wow!!!!!!! All spring I was hoping there was a way I could travel to go but finaces unfortunately are stopping me(Ilive in St. Louis). I am really going to put some positive thought out about going next year. I especially wanted to go to because if I understand right it is the first(Pow Wow) in a newly built traditional setting. Please let me know how it was and I would LOVE to see some photos or video. I'll check later on You Tube. I did find some other video of other Saponi Pow Wows on there. Enjoy!!!!!! Jeff in STL

[Dreaminghawk]

It was a good day for Becky and me. We saw many friends that we haven't seen in a while. We compared research with a number of people. I danced the veteran's dance for a dear friend who joined the ancestors last thursday. The drums were great as was the ndn taco. The overall mood was good..... and sharing our canopy and time with Beeleaf and her friends was an absolute delight.

[Sophronia]

Hey Dreaming Hawk, Becky and Beeleaf, Glad you all had a good time and enjoyed your fellowship together. I wish I had been able to make it. Perhaps next one. What exactly is the veteran's dance? I don't believe I have heard of that one. How were the grounds and accomodations? Were you at the new campgrounds or in Clarksville, VA. Are there pictures you can post? Have yo done or are you planning on doing the DNA test? Which one? I am probably going to see what other members are going to do. Will yu be going to the North Bend Park event in August, that Felicia is having? I am planning on going then. LORD willing~~~~Take care, Sophronia

[Dreaminghawk]

At most of the powwows we attend, after the grand entry, all veterans of all colors and creeds are invited into the circle to be honored. They dance or walk behind the flagbearers as the dancers and standing spectators show them respect as the drum sings an honor song. I danced for an 86 year old veteran of WW2 and Korea who has just joined the ancestors, I dance for another WW2 veteran who has entered dementia, I dance for my brothers who died in Nam, I dance for the son of a dear friend currently in Afganistan.

[Mousini78]

Sophronia,
The tribal grounds hosted the first OBSN pow wow there this year. They had previously had a fall gathering there. The village was looking great...along with the garden and the orchards. They have many projects to finish and all should be quite an accomplishment. I can tell many people have worked hard.

As far as accomodations, there is just primitive camping there for now. And it was hot, but, we stayed cool under the canopy and hydrated as much as possible.

We very much enjoyed our time with Beeleaf and her friends...they were such a hoot. Looking forward to seeing them again...maybe in July at Cheroenhaka.

Yes, we plan to be around Clarksville in August. I have made reservations at our little special place already. Would like to come up on Friday night and spend the weekend...but, will depend on finances and other obligations.

[1_optimistic]

Hi Family,

I really enjoyed myself on Saturday. I did not attend early because I just could not deal with the heat and humidity so I waited until 4:00 PM.

I assumed that most people arrived early that day and left by the time I arrived. Very friendly people as usual and once again I felt like I was "home."
I loved the village too. :D

Oh Yes, the dancers...........they were on point!!!!! I mean, the dancers were in step together and it was so beautiful. For instance, the shawl dancers all bowed during the honour beats together with the same rhythm. I felt the Spirit dwelling. I almost cried!

I am excited about attending another Pow Wow and yes, I will attend Occoneechi's Pow Wow next year!!!!

[Mousini78]

We must have missed you...we were there until the closing of the drum as was Beeleaf and her entourage. Wish you had let us know...we could have shared our canopy with you. We were sitting over on the far side under the white canopy.

Yeah, the only problem I had was when the dancer passed out...I was thinking that maybe next year they should have an EMT "crew" standing by...especially with the high temps and all. Or maybe have one of those misting tents to cool folks off like they do at the Eno Festival every year.

But, we had a grand time otherwise...and enjoyed all our talking.

[1_optimistic]

We must have missed you...we were there until the closing of the drum as was Beeleaf and her entourage. Wish you had let us know...we could have shared our canopy with you. We were sitting over on the far side under the white canopy.

Yeah, the only problem I had was when the dancer passed out...I was thinking that maybe next year they should have an EMT "crew" standing by...especially with the high temps and all. Or maybe have one of those misting tents to cool folks off like they do at the Eno Festival every year.

But, we had a grand time otherwise...and enjoyed all our talking.




Yes, I do remember when the dancer passed out. I also agree that there should of been an EMT "crew" available. Most Pow Wow's I've attended in Southside VA, North Eastern NC are wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy back in the woods and if there's an emergency, it would take more time for help to arrive.

Yes, I should of posted here that I was going to attend. I am sure I saw you and your family but we did not know each other.

I will attend the Cheroenhaka Nottaway Pow Pow on July 21 and the Annual Campout in Clarksville, VA, so I will have the opportunity to meet you there. :D

[beeleaf]

Hi y'all,

Thanks a million more times to Becky and Ken for sharing their canopy & stories Saturday! We enjoyed meeting you and are looking forward to the next pow-wow we can get to.

1_Optimistic, sorry that we missed you. Your post in the Monacan pow-wow thread was what alerted me to this one. I looked for you Saturday, but didn't recognize you. You weren't wearing an Indiana Jones type hat, were you?

We took a few pictures & will post some shortly, if that's ok.

[1_optimistic]

1_Optimistic, sorry that we missed you. Your post in the Monacan pow-wow thread was what alerted me to this one. I looked for you Saturday, but didn't recognize you. You weren't wearing an Indiana Jones type hat, were you?


No, but I was talking to one lady who was wearing a straw hat. Her hair was in loose braids. I was sitting on the side of the circle where the Jeffries family was sitting. I was sitting next to a group of people that had a blue canopy.

I was not wearing any hat. I was wearing a v-neck white shirt with beadwork, jean capris and shiny sandles. I also was wearing sunshades. My hair was up in a bun shape.

I know it is not a great description but that's the best I can do. :)

[JeffDB]

I hope I can get to meet you all if I can go next year.You all seem so nice and I'm sure we have a lot in comon. Jeff in STL