Lumbee to host Dance of the Spring Moon Powwow

            (May 2011) The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina will host its 7th annual event, Dance of the Spring Moon- Lumbee Powwow, from Friday, May 6 until Sunday, May 8, 2011 at the Southeastern Agricultural Center in Lumberton, North Carolina.
           The Lumbee Tribe started the annual spring powwow in 2004 with the vision of not only celebrating the arrival of spring but, to culturally educate our neighbors. Celebrating its seventh year, The Dance of the Spring Moon was featured in USA Today and received national coverage in being among the top 10 powwows in the nation to attend.
            “I would like to invite all residents, regardless of their ethnic and cultural background, to come together and celebrate the arrival of spring together,” said Tribal Chairman Purnell Swett.
           The Lumbee Tribe anticipates over 20,000 visitors and spectators this year with dancer and drummer participation exceeding 400 in 2010. Spectators can expect to see the following dances: Men’s Straight, Men’s Grass, Men’s Traditional, Women’s Fancy, Women’s Jingle, Women’s Southern Traditional and Women’s Northern Traditional.  For these dances, there will also be dance competitions for elders, adults, teens, boys and girls categories.
           “With more than 500 distinct tribes in the United States, American Indians are extremely different from one another,” stated Chairman Swett, “each tribe has its own heritage, customs and traditions based upon the lives of its people though history and I am dedicated to honoring and preserving this cultural tradition.”
The 2011 Dance of the Spring Moon powwow will feature the Biggest of the Big Boys, a one of a kind dance special organized in memory of former Youth Services Director and Powwow Chairwoman Wanda K. Locklear.
           This event is supported and sponsored in partnership with TRU which is funded by the NC Health & Wellness Fund and the Homicide and Motor Vehicle Death Prevention Program.  Grand Entries are Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 12 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sunday at 1 p.m. Admission fees are as follows: Adults - $7; Youth (6-12yrs) - $5; Seniors (55+) - $5; and Kids (5 & under) - free.   For more information on this tobacco, violence, drug and gang free event please call 1-800-659-6585.

Lumbee Powwow Showcased by USA Today

American Indian culture is alive and well and on colorful display at powwows across the country. Paul Gowder , creator of powwows.com, which showcases these social and spiritual events, shares some favorites with Gary McKechnie for USA TODAY. publication printed April 15, 2011

Complete online article[ click here ]

more powwow information[ click here ]