Annual powwow to be held in New Haven’s East Rock Park
NEW HAVEN>> Connecticut Native American Inter-Tribal Urban Council President Jim Rawlings said Native Americans are beginning to have the space to express themselves in the city.
“There really hadn’t been an appreciation up until recently with the emergence of Native Americans in the Greater New Haven community,” said Rawlings. “Last year was the first time Mayor (Toni) Harp and the city did a proclamation for Native American Day; they’ve been supportive.
“We’re planning for our future in this city.”
The council will hold its fifth annual powwow (ceremony) May 30 and 31 at the summit of East Rock Park. The event is scheduled to run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days.
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The council was founded in 2010 as a way to respond to the
increasing number of Native Americans who now live in Greater New Haven
urban centers and the many causes that have threatened historic cultural
ties, loss of language and the spiritual center of Native Americans,
according to Rawlings. Activities during the powwow will include dancing, scouting, drums, native food and a variety of vendors.
“Powwow really means talking among self, but now it’s more of a celebration due to the fact we’re still here,” said Rawlings, whose mother was Native American and father black.
Rawlings said most of the dances are telling stories.
“When we dance in a circle, we’re celebrating our elders to show pride in our culture,” he said. “Each dance tells the story of a history and those are stories we tell our young people so they can keep the legacy going.”
A scholarship will be provided to one Native American student over the weekend.
Saturday will be youth-focused, as the council has partnered with the Connecticut Yankee Council Boy Scouts and the Connecticut Audubon Society Center at Fairfield.
Sunday will be filled with traditional ceremonies honoring native elders.
According to Rawlings, former president of the Greater New Haven Branch of the NAACP, the city Department of Elderly Services will provide transportation for seniors to attend Sunday’s festivities.
Vehicle traffic will not be allowed to the East Rock summit during the times of the powwow.
For more information about the powwow call 203-215-1521.Reach Community Engagement Editor Shahid Abdul-Karim at 203-680-9343.
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