Spirit of Nations Powwow to Honor the Elders

Seated: Mark Potts, Mayor of Jefferson County. Standing left to right: John Martin, member of the board of directors for Indian Creek Productions, Inc., sponsor of the powwow and former chairman of the Tennessee Commission of Indian Affairs. Dr. Samuel Hollingshead, Chairman of the Indian Creek Productions, Inc., board of directors and assistant principal at Mt. Horeb Elementary School. Sherry Finchum, Supervisor of K-5 curriculum for Jefferson County Schools and secretary and webmaster for Indian Creek Productions, Inc. Dr. Mark Finchum, social studies teacher at Patriot Academy and president of Indian Creek Productions, Inc.

In recognition of the “Honoring the Elders” theme of the 2019 Spirit of Nations powwow, Jefferson County Mayor Mark Potts has issued a proclamation declaring Saturday, August 10th, as “Honoring the Elders Day” in Jefferson County. The powwow will be held at Patriot Academy in Jefferson City, TN.

John Martin, formerly the chairman of the Tennessee Commission of Indian Affairs, joined the mayor as the proclamation was signed. “Our elders possess a vast treasure of cultural knowledge and wisdom,” he said.

“Without them to educate the younger generations, the culture would be lost. People might go through the motions of cultural ceremonies, but not truly understand the meanings behind them,” Martin said.

“We must honor and cherish our elders as living treasures,” he added.

Martin serves as a member of the board of directors for Indian Creek Productions, Inc., which sponsors the powwow.

Sherry Finchum, also on hand for the proclamation signing is secretary and webmaster for Indian Creek Productions, Inc. She is the elementary curriculum supervisor for Jefferson County Schools and understands the importance of teaching traditions to children.

“It is important to honor the elders as an example to our children. The elders retain the wisdom that has extended our people throughout the ages. We must listen to them and heed their words. Following their words will lead us in the right direction and will prolong our lives,” Finchum said.

In addition to a special presentation involving selected elders, the powwow will feature American Indian arts and crafts for sale, Indian tacos, activities for children, competition powwow dancing, flute playing, a silent auction, American Indian craft demonstrations, and a performance by world famous hoop dancer Eddie Swimmer.

Patriot Academy is located at 419 W. Dumplin Valley Road, Jefferson City, TN, 37760. Admission is $5 for adults and $1 for children. Veterans and active duty military personnel are admitted free.

More information is available at www.indiancreekproductions.com or on the Indian Creek Productions Facebook page. Specific questions can be directed to indiancreekproductions@gmail.com.