Stewart Father’s Day Powwow... WOW!

"Celebrate Father’s Day Weekend with the entire family and experience American Indian heritage, history and pride at the Stewart Father’s Day Powwow! The former Stewart Indian School will come alive with over 200 dancers, over 30 arts and crafts vendors and Indian Tacos. Admission is FREE! The Stewart Father’s Day Powwow benefits the preservation of the historic Stewart Indian School."

Established in 1890, the Stewart Indian School was one of the first 25 of hundreds of Indian Boarding Schools instituted across the nation to assimilate American Indian children into mainstream culture. The school was open for 90 years and educated over 30,000 American Indian students in the multi-colored stone structures. The 110-acre campus, with over 65 buildings, is the best example of an intact campus that still remains. This was my second visit here and I'm even more moved by its history and beauty.

Is it okay to admit that part of the reason we came was for the Indian Tacos? These taste sensations, made with Indian fry bread, are the universal modern powwow food. They are also popular attractions at many fairs, festivals, and outdoor summer shows held in the southwest. People will line up to wait their turn to buy some freshly made tacos. They are a combination of beans or ground beef (ours had both), chopped lettuce, sliced tomato, shredded Cheddar cheese, and optional green chile atop plate-sized rounds of crispy Navajo or Indian fry bread. Messy but so delicious.

If you don't know about powwows, every weekend from April through October, thousands of Native Americans throughout the United States and Canada pack up their cars and head to these amazing events. Some families go on the circuit to many large powwows which are held at different places every weekend. A traditional powwow is a social gathering of Native Americans from many nations. They help maintain cultural identity and attract visiting dancers from all over. AND educate those of us who need to learn more about these peoples.

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Indians were not allowed to have dances. Government officials thought the dances were organized to resist federal forces. They did not realize that the dances were held only to honor Native American elders and warriors, give gifts and recognition to those deserving, sing honor songs, ask questions of the elders, teach by example, dance the sacred circle, and be healed.

In the 1960s, officials finally realized that these dances and traditions were not dangerous, only important to Native Americans. Native Americans today are developing deep pride in their culture and traditions and we are so thankful they want to share it with us.

The colors, textures and pride of the regalia was incredibly impressive. Embodying the spirit and soul of the culture, the dancers at powwow are vibrant reflections of tribal history mixed with personal style. These elaborate Native American outfits are very unique to each dancer, but they also speak of familial ties - as dancers move to the rhythmic beat of the drum, they tell of their tribal affiliation and ancestry, reveal their individual personality, family heritage, and spiritual quests.