I had previously written about how a visit to a local Native American festival has become an annual tradition for us and how much our son loves Indian culture.
One thing he always asks about is why there aren’t more such festivals around here, and why they’re only in the summer. I was very happy, therefore, to learn about the upcoming Veterans’ Powwow at George Mason University in Fairfax coming up on Tuesday, November 11, 2014.
The annual event, now in its 12th year, takes place at the university’s Dewberry Hall in the Johnson Center. The celebration, free and open to the public, is from noon until 8 pm so even though Fairfax County Public Schools are in session that day (Veterans Day is a Federal holiday), students can still make it to the event, including its veterans’ honor ceremony at 4:30 pm.
Guests will experience traditional Native American music and dancing, and shop authentic indigenous handcrafted items including jewelry, pottery, textile arts, apparel, and more from vendors. There also will be social dances, games, and candy dances for children. This year’s powwow head staff includes: Dennis Zotigh, Master of Ceremonies; Manuel Rodriguez, Arena Director; Louis Campbell, Head Man Dancer; Elyse Sparks, Head Woman Dancer; and drum groups Stoney Creek and Youghtanund. You can find updates on the event’s Facebook page.
The powwow is co-sponsored by the Native American and Indigenous Alliance, the Indigenous Nations Alumni Alliance, the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education, University Life, and the Office of Student Involvement at George Mason University.
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