Post by Moon Seeker on Aug 2, 2009 14:28:51 GMT -5
American Indians celebrate heritage
By Ethan Klapper • eklapper@lohud.com • August 2, 2009
HARRIMAN STATE PARK - Native weapons, flutes and even tepees were on sale yesterday at the 13th annual Hudson Valley Native American Heritage Celebration at the Anthony Wayne Recreation Area.
Artisans and performance artists traveled from all over the country to share their work and abilities with eager attendees.
Frank Herrling of Dumont, N.J., said he really likes attending powwows, such as this one.
"I haven't been to a powwow in 10 years," he said. "I'm interested in Native Americans because they were here before us and have a lot to teach us."
As was the case for many, the highlight of the day for Herrling was the dancers, who performed in a large, round open area in the middle of all the craft booths and concession stands.
One dancer was Cody Jacobs of Greensboro, N.C., who is part of the Lumbee/Waccamaw Siouan tribe. He dances in the warrior style.
"It's part of our people, part of our heritage," he said.
Jacobs has been dancing since he could walk.
"I've been raised doing it," he said.
At the other side of the fair, T.P.J. was selling tepees and other Native American crafts at the Thunderbird Tipi Co. booth.
"A lot of it is from different reservations," he said of the crafts.
Bill Hickey of Fairfax, Okla., was at another booth where he was selling jewelry - primarily made from silver and turquoise.
He was also selling handmade arrows and other traditional weapons, which draws people to his booth.
"Everybody's into some weapons," he said.
Jody Coyle of Stony Point came with her mom, who's part-American Indian and turned 65 yesterday.
"I like listening to the music," she said.
"I'm looking forward to the bread, too," she said, referring to the fry bread delicacy that was on sale from a number of vendors.
Other native foods on sale included Indian tacos and corn soup.
Barbara Schiffman of Scarsdale had never been to a powwow before.
"It's beautiful - I love to see the crafts," she said. "I hope to come back here. I'm so glad to have a nice day."
In addition to the American Indian art on display, a Polynesian dance troupe presented dances from indigenous people worldwide.
One attraction was the various birds of prey flew that flew around the performance area - even though one had to be coaxed down from a tree.
The festival was coordinated by the Redhawk Native American Arts Council and continues from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. today.
www.lohud.com/article/2009908020350
By Ethan Klapper • eklapper@lohud.com • August 2, 2009
HARRIMAN STATE PARK - Native weapons, flutes and even tepees were on sale yesterday at the 13th annual Hudson Valley Native American Heritage Celebration at the Anthony Wayne Recreation Area.
Artisans and performance artists traveled from all over the country to share their work and abilities with eager attendees.
Frank Herrling of Dumont, N.J., said he really likes attending powwows, such as this one.
"I haven't been to a powwow in 10 years," he said. "I'm interested in Native Americans because they were here before us and have a lot to teach us."
As was the case for many, the highlight of the day for Herrling was the dancers, who performed in a large, round open area in the middle of all the craft booths and concession stands.
One dancer was Cody Jacobs of Greensboro, N.C., who is part of the Lumbee/Waccamaw Siouan tribe. He dances in the warrior style.
"It's part of our people, part of our heritage," he said.
Jacobs has been dancing since he could walk.
"I've been raised doing it," he said.
At the other side of the fair, T.P.J. was selling tepees and other Native American crafts at the Thunderbird Tipi Co. booth.
"A lot of it is from different reservations," he said of the crafts.
Bill Hickey of Fairfax, Okla., was at another booth where he was selling jewelry - primarily made from silver and turquoise.
He was also selling handmade arrows and other traditional weapons, which draws people to his booth.
"Everybody's into some weapons," he said.
Jody Coyle of Stony Point came with her mom, who's part-American Indian and turned 65 yesterday.
"I like listening to the music," she said.
"I'm looking forward to the bread, too," she said, referring to the fry bread delicacy that was on sale from a number of vendors.
Other native foods on sale included Indian tacos and corn soup.
Barbara Schiffman of Scarsdale had never been to a powwow before.
"It's beautiful - I love to see the crafts," she said. "I hope to come back here. I'm so glad to have a nice day."
In addition to the American Indian art on display, a Polynesian dance troupe presented dances from indigenous people worldwide.
One attraction was the various birds of prey flew that flew around the performance area - even though one had to be coaxed down from a tree.
The festival was coordinated by the Redhawk Native American Arts Council and continues from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. today.
www.lohud.com/article/2009908020350