Color Guard Attends National Powwow 2005

By Iretta Tiger

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Education and camaraderie are two words that come to mind when describing the National Museum of the American Indian’s (NMAI) National Powwow 2005. The powwow was held at the MCI Center in Washington, D.C. from Aug. 12–14; various presentations and events were also held at the museum.

For the powwow, NMAI put together a comprehensive souvenir program. It contains the details of grand entry, the history of powwow and the history of the various dances.

Two films, “The World of Indian Dance” and “Into the Circle: An Introduction to Oklahoma Powwows and Celebrations” were shown at the museum throughout the powwow. Also at the museum were dance exhibitions, powwow regalia-making, drum making and birch bark canoe making.

NMAI’s Director Richard West Jr. and Vice Chairman of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Glynn Crooks lead every grand entry in full regalia.

The Seminole Tribe’s Color Guard, Stephen Bowers, Paul Bowers, NAME and NAME, was given the honor of leading the veterans in the powwow’s grand entries. Members of the Vietnam Era Veterans Intertribal Association (VEVITA) joined the color guard.

Former Colorado Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell (retired) joined West and Crooks for two grand entries. Miss Seminole Christine McCall also participated in the grand entries; there was an impressive showing of native royalty.

Though not part of the powwow, McCall and Trail Liaison William Osceola were invited to tour the offices of America’s Most Wanted (AMW) and as part of the tour they were allowed to watch the phone center in action. Unfortunately AMW’s host John Walsh was not present but McCall and Osceola were still thrilled to be there.

This special tour was specially arranged by Lloyd Wideman, Diamond III LLC, and JR Patton, Native NCTS driver. Patton is the driver for AMW Racing and was sponsored by the Seminole Tribe at the Ford 200 in 2004.

So far, the National Powwow is not an annual powwow but that could change. For updates on the next National Powwow and museum updates surf to www.nmai.si.edu.