The 23rd Annual Texas Championship Native American Pow Wow featured traditional dancing, songs played by a drum circle and competitions for dancers who ranged from two to 80-years-old.
The event was presented by the Dallas/Fort Worth Inter-Tribal Association and held at the Trader’s Village flea market Saturday and Sunday.
Since its 1989 inception, Pow Wow has continued to pull in audiences for the authentic experience it offers. A small tepee village was set up for speculators to explore as well as a special section in the flea market dedicated to Native American arts and crafts.
It also continues to be a proving ground for vendors to sell their wares and greet new customers to the event.
“I love sharing my pottery work with the public,” said Greg Warren, owner of Kicking Bird Pottery in Tennessee. “It’s always fun to meet new people and hear what they have to say.”
Vendor booths consisted of handmade jewelry, Navajo sand paintings, Comanche woodwork and Kiowa flutes — each priced anywhere from $1 to more than $100.
Artwork by David Eveningthunder of Livingston and the Shoshone tribe was presented. Subjects included a warrior on a horse, a white buffalo and the famous Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce tribe.
“My art is my own way of paying tribute to today’s Indian dancers who are keeping the traditions of our ancestors alive,” Eveningthunder said.
“I feel that the modern-day Pow Wow brings about important social times between the Natives and non-Natives. The exchange of culture between different tribes helps to form a stronger bond and foundation for our generation.”
In addition to dancing and crafts, Native American cuisine was a part of the event. Food booths sold stew, drinks, Indian tacos and fry bread, a dough that is fried with oil and shortening.
Trader’s Village may be the home for other events, such as the upcoming Christmas event, Fiestas Navidenas, but Pow Wow remains to be an all-time favorite among spectators like Tamara Martinez.
“This is my third year coming here,” Martinez said.
“I’m not a big fan of flea markets, so I only come to Trader’s Village when it’s Pow Wow time. I enjoy watching the dances and browsing the market place.”
