Celebrating the powwow tradition

Jingles of bells and the beats of hide drums reverberated throughout Woollen Gymnasium as dancers, dressed in brightly colored costumes of feathers and furs, twirled around the room — much like their ancestors had done for generations.

The vibrant performances, held March 28, were part of the Carolina Indian Circle’s 28th annual powwow. The celebration, which helps kick off the 2015 powwow season, drew dozens of dancers and drummers from several Native American tribes from North Carolina.

“All different tribes come together and dance, and really enjoy each other’s company,” said Kayla Smith, co-director of the powwow. “It fascinates people. It’s not the typical headdress, mad, stoic Indian look — the stereotypical Indian look. It’s something different. It’s people having fun.”

Featuring traditional Native American dance, drumming and food, the celebration aimed to keep the Native American culture alive by sharing it the Carolina community, said Marcus Collins, faculty advisor to the Carolina Indian Circle and assistant dean of the Center for Student Success and Academic Counseling.

Throughout the six-hour event, tribe members went head-to-head in one of the first dance and drum competitions of the powwow season, which runs through the fall. In addition to competing for prize money, the tribes showcased their culture and customs for a crowd of spectators while also carrying on their own heritage.

“It’s a way for people to come together and celebrate the culture,” Collins said. “It’s a way to really keep the culture alive.”