By Kirby Locklear, Thunderbird Intertribal Council Chairperson
November is National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month, a time to honor the rich histories, cultures and contributions of Native Americans. Established through congressional legislation and presidential proclamation, this annual observance provides a meaningful opportunity to celebrate the traditions of America’s Indigenous peoples. Here on the Emerald Coast, that celebration comes to life Nov. 6-8 during the 38th Annual Thunderbird Intertribal Powwow at Twin Oaks Park (Mullet Festival Grounds) in Niceville.
Hosted by the Thunderbird Intertribal Council, this three-day, family-friendly event brings together Native American dancers, drummers, singers, storytellers and artisans to share their heritage with the community. Visitors can experience intertribal dancing, traditional music, authentic Native American-themed crafts, special exhibits, demonstrations and more.
Festivities begin Friday, Nov. 6, with Children’s Day from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., welcoming more than 500 local schoolchildren for educational exhibits, storytelling and demonstrations, including presentations from the Indian Temple Mound. Friday evening’s powwow begins at 7 p.m. with the Grand Entry of dancers, followed by intertribal dancing until 9 p.m.
Saturday’s opening ceremony begins at noon with a special tribute honoring veterans and a Grand Entry showcasing various traditional dance styles. Contest dancing follows, with a special performance by the Pacific Islanders Dance Company during the 5-7 p.m. dinner break. Dancing resumes at 7 p.m. Sunday’s festivities begin at noon and continue until 4 p.m.
Understanding Powwow Traditions and Etiquette
A powwow is a social gathering that brings members of different tribes together in peace and harmony, a tradition that continues today. Open to the public, powwows offer a unique opportunity to experience Native American culture while learning the customs and etiquette that make these gatherings meaningful.
The Master of Ceremonies guides the event, including the Grand Entry, when dancers enter the arena in traditional regalia. Dancing takes place within a circle representing the circle of life. Spectators should enter the dance arena only when invited, and guests are encouraged to participate when an invitation is extended.
Dance styles vary by tribal tradition and region, with Northern and Southern styles featuring distinctive movements and regalia. Categories include Women’s Traditional, Fancy Shawl and Jingle Dress dancing, along with Men’s Traditional, Fancy and Grass dancing.
Respect for dancers and their regalia is especially important. Traditional regalia should never be called costumes or touched without permission. These carefully crafted outfits often take years to complete and may include treasured family heirlooms. Eagle feathers are particularly sacred and should never be handled by spectators, even if one falls to the ground. Instead, notify an event official.
Drum groups and singers are equally important, providing the music that accompanies each dance. Songs may honor veterans, commemorate loved ones or celebrate specific traditions. Visitors should never enter the drumming area or touch the drums without permission.
Photography is generally permitted during intertribal and competition dancing, but guests should seek permission before photographing individual dancers or recording performances. The Master of Ceremonies will announce when photography is prohibited.
Above all, attendees are encouraged to approach the experience with curiosity, courtesy and respect. Native American traditions are diverse, reflecting the unique histories, languages and customs of hundreds of tribes.
The Thunderbird Intertribal Powwow welcomes everyone to learn, participate and celebrate Native American heritage in an alcohol- and drug-free, family-friendly environment. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.
Admission is $3 for Children’s Day and $7 for adults and $4 for children during the powwow. Gates open at 9 a.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. Sunday.
The event takes place at Twin Oaks Park, at Highway 85 and College Boulevard in Niceville. For additional information, visit www.thunderbirdpowwow.org or call Kirby Locklear at 850-279-1931. Volunteers are also welcome and may contact the Thunderbird Intertribal Council at committee@thunderbirdpowwow.org.
Photos courtesy of Thunderbird Intertribal Council
