Occaneechi Saponi Spring Cultural Festival

The next PowWow is June 12 - June 13, 2009 in a new location

The 2009 PowWow will be held at 4902 Dailey Store Rd., Burlington NC, from 5 to 9 pm Friday and 10 am to 9 pm Saturday. Admission is $6 general, Seniors and kids under 12 are free. Proceeds will go towards the Occaneechi Tribal Center Building Fund. For more info contact the tribal office at 919-304-3723. Below highlights past PowWows.

Occaneechi Powwow

The Occaneechi Saponi Spring Cultural Festival

In Hillsborough, NC, just behind the new courthouse, when we walked down the hill toward the river, something magical was happening. People were gathered together; watching, talking, listening, learning. This was the PowWow, an annual event on the banks of the Eno River.

Click here for a PowWow Slideshow

At the 2005 PowWow, traditional Occaneechi Saponi and other tribes' brightly colored, intricately beaded, woven, and feathered costumes took the stage, as the warriors proudly displayed the clothing worn by their ancestors.

Entire families participate in the traditional Indian chanting and revered dancing, regaling in their finery. Native Americans from all over the area come together to celebrate their heritage. The youngest warrior we observed dancing was indeed mighty tiny.

Many artists at this annual event create and sell their pieces crafted in wood and animal hide, silver and gold. There are Indian artifacts on display, showing what the average Native American family probably used in their daily lives.