Not Missing a Beat as Powwow Comes to Patriot Academy

Photo Submitted by Judy Babel

Spirit of the Nations Powwow & Heritage Festival came to Jefferson County on Saturday, August 12, 2017. The cultural event has become an annual happening in the County and is an anticipated precursor to fall for many. Traditional dance and hand drum competitions are an important part of the festival, just as music and dance are an important part of Native American heritage.

Powwows like the Spirit of the Nations offer the opportunity for participants and the community to celebrate and share unique cultural traditions of the past, while keeping those traditions alive for future generations. Food, clothing, and the regalia that are a part of the Native American customs and ways of life are also an important part of any Powwow, and Saturday’s event, located at the Patriot Academy, showcased many facets of the culture.

The event was brought to Jefferson County by Indian Creek Productions, which is a non-profit educational organization that is focused on teaching Native American customs in both academic and casual settings. Indian Creek Productions was founded in 2002 by local educators Sherry and Mark Finchum, both of whom have been long time local representatives of the special, historical connection that the Native American culture has in Jefferson County and beyond.

Photo Submitted by Judy Babel

Photo Submitted by Judy Babel