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June 28, 2009

Peoria powwow welcomes members of several tribes

By Debbie Robinson

news@joplinglobe.com

MIAMI, Okla. — Members of several American Indian tribes celebrated their heritage at the 12th annual Peoria Tribe Powwow east of Miami.

About 1,500 people attended the three-day event from Friday to Sunday, organizers said.

Event coordinator Robby Blalock said the annual event serves to keep the traditions alive for children. Participants came from Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas and Arkansas, and many camped out at the powwow grounds.

“We gather up here and have a good time,” Blalock said.

Colorful costumes with feathers were featured in daily grand entrances that began Friday night.

Dance competitions were held for people of all ages — teens, juniors, adults and what Blalock called “old geezers.” Participants were judged on their dance ability, dress and style of dancing, he said.

Sunday began with a traditional gourd dance with singers between the ages of 16 and 62.

In gourd dancing, dancers with colorful sashes strand around the outside of an arena or pavilion, shaking rattles and lifting their heels to the beat of the drum.

Sunday’s gourd dance was in honor of veterans. Lee Lowhead, of Kansas City, Mo., said he was honored to participate in the dance, although he is not a member of the tribe.

Jerry Marks, of Grove, and Clara Tanner, of Wyandotte, along with her husband, Jerry, said they attend the powwow every year.

“Everyone’s invited,” said Clara Tanner, a member of the Wyandotte Tribe. “It’s not just one tribe; it’s a lot of tribes. It’s about togetherness and keeping the traditions alive.”

Jerry Tanner served as the eagle staff carrier. The staff has an eagle on top and signifies the American Indians’ memorial to wars.

“It was the first American flag,” Tanner said.

Terri Wensman, of Sperry, worked Sunday afternoon covering her daughter’s braids with gold ribbon. Wensman said the family usually attends three different powwows each month in the summer.

“We have lots of family here this weekend,” she said. “I think it’s just great for families.”

Her 7-year-old daughter, Aubree, danced the jingle dance. Aubree said she learned to dance from her older sister and by watching videos.

“I just like dancing,” she said.





Tribe history

The Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma is a confederation of tribes that were united into a single tribe in 1854, according to the tribal Web site.

Original tribal members settled in the land bordering the Great Lakes, and they are descended from tribes that created the mound civilization 2,000 to 3,000 years ago, the Web site says.

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