Mayor Mark Potts Declares Saturday, March 28th, as “Celebrate Walking in Balance” day in Jefferson County

Mayor Mark Potts, Sherry and Mark Finchum

In recognition of the “Walking in Balance” theme of the 2026 Spirit of Nations powwow, Jefferson County Mayor Mark Potts has issued a proclamation declaring Saturday, March 28th, as “Celebrate Walking in Balance” day in Jefferson County. The powwow will be held at Jefferson County High School in Dandridge, TN.

Mayor Potts, wrote in the proclamation that, “The history and culture of our great nation have been significantly influenced by American Indians. Their customs and traditions are respected and celebrated as part of a rich legacy throughout the United States.”

Dr. Mark Finchum, president of Indian Creek Productions, Inc., sponsor of the powwow, explained the importance of events such as the powwow as Indigenous people try to “walk in balance.”

“Our participants – the dancers, craftspeople, and others – try to balance old traditions in today’s modern world,” Finchum said.

“For our special Dine’ guests, the term “walking in balance” means living in a state of harmony between oneself and the natural and spiritual worlds,” Finchum added.

The mayor’s proclamation also recognizes “the Spirit of Nations Powwow for their efforts in educating and entertaining people about the American Indian culture and Indian Creek Productions for organizing this event.”

In addition to special demonstrations of traditional arts, such as basketry, beadwork, wood carving, fingerweaving, and more, the powwow will feature American Indian arts and crafts for sale, a Southeastern bark encampment display, activities for children, competition powwow dancing, flute playing, a silent auction, a hoop dance performance, and a special performance by the Dine Tah Navajo Dancers.

Funding for the Spirit of Nations Powwow is provided in part by grants from the Tennessee Arts Commission, the Tennessee America 250 Commission, and the Jefferson County Department of Tourism.

Jefferson County High School is located at 115. W. Dumplin Valley Road, Dandridge, TN, 37725. Admission is $7 for adults and $2 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.