Special to Atmore News
You’re invited to experience the rich culture of the Poarch Creek Indians at their 52nd annual Pow Wow this Thanksgiving, November 28 and 29, in Atmore. This 2-day homecoming event will highlight the Tribe’s rich cultural heritage and is one of its most unique and enduring Thanksgiving traditions.
The event is full of family-friendly activities for all ages, including one of the most popular events – dance competitions. Both entertaining and educational, the dance competitions feature several different styles of dance, with a variety of age categories, each arranged within male and female divisions, highlighting their authentic regalia. Another highlight is the annual crowning of the Poarch Creek Indian Princesses. Once crowned, Princesses will serve as Ambassadors for the Tribe throughout the year at public events, as well as Tribal gatherings, all around the United States.
“Pow Wow is a time of celebration that we all look forward to throughout the year,” Poarch Creek Indians Tribal Chair and CEO Stephanie Bryan said. “We are grateful for those who take this special opportunity to experience part of this long-standing tradition with us. It is a true joy to share this cherished time with so many people, from places both near and far.”
This year marks the 52nd anniversary of this unique gathering on Poarch’s reservation lands that began in 1971 as a homecoming celebration for Tribal members. Defined by its tradition of sharing, the Tribe extended invitations to friends and neighbors, and the event grew rapidly. Over a half-century later, the Poarch Pow Wow has become a favorite tradition for thousands of Alabama families, as well as visitors from across America, who travel to Atmore to experience Poarch’s unique tradition and to honor the Tribe’s place in Alabama’s history.
Also, with November being Native American Heritage Month, it is a great opportunity to educate the public about the Tribe and to raise a general awareness about the unique challenges Native people have faced, both historically and today.
In addition to the entertainment, visitors to the Pow Wow can also enjoy unique crafts and goods for sale by local artisans and vendors, as well as festival favorite foods such as barbeque, oak wood fire-roasted corn, buffalo burgers, ham, and fried chicken. And if you’re looking for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, they’ll be serving turkey and dressing dishes, too. And don’t forget to sign up for the Thanksgiving Day 5K Turkey Trot, beginning at 7 a.m.
The Annual Thanksgiving Day Pow Wow at the Poarch Creek Indian Reservation in Atmore will run Thanksgiving Day, November 28, and Friday, November 29, starting at 10 a.m. each day. Admission is $15 for both days, $10 for one day, and kids 6 and under are free.
To learn more, visit https://pci-nsn.gov/culture-and-events/annual-thanksgiving-pow-wow/