Pow Wow Gets off to Late Start, Still Draws Visitors

April 20, 2008

Author: Ezra Mann

Source: The Pine Bluff Commercial

http://www.pbcommercial.com/articles/2008/04/20/news/news1.txt

Though the gates to Saracen Landing opened at 9 a.m., many were on “Indian Time,” with festivities beginning after 10:30 a.m and running until about 5 p.m., Sue Trulock, director of the Jefferson County Historical Museum and one of the sponsors for the Native American Heritage Day Pow Wow, said Saturday.

The powwow began with a color guard presentation by the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 830, from White Hall/Pine Bluff, which led fancy dancers to a sacred circle in the center of the landing pavilion. It is a part of the chapter’s duty, which supports the community with four members attending Saturday, said Gary D. McDougal Sr., chapter president.

Other organizations that participated included Pine Bluff Boy Scout Troop 100 and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department.

The purpose of powwow in Pine Bluff is to keep Native American cultures and customs alive, while remembering that Jefferson County was once inhabited and settled by Indians, added Trulock. Through events that include traditional dances, basket weaving with pine needles and hawk demonstrations, modern residents can appreciate how the Quapaw tribe lived in the area.