WAYNE TOWNSHIP – Not everyone knows or understands the history of Native Americans in Ashtabula County or even in the State of Ohio.
The United Eastern Lenape Nation is all too happy to help introduce itself to the community through the UELN Honoring Our Ancestor Powwow.
“We like to make it possible for people to understand who we are,” Morning Dove said. “A lot of people think there are not any people who are Native Americans in Ashtabula County or even in Ohio and that’s not true. As far as we are concerned, (the Powwow) is kind of like a family reunion. There’s dancing and music and a lot of people we haven’t seen in a long time. It’s also spiritual. When we go in the circle and dance, it’s spiritual. When we dance, we dance for Creator and our ancestors. (The powwow) is to introduce ourselves to people.”
The 22nd Annual UELN Honoring Our Ancestor Powwow will be June 19-21 at the Ashtabula County Antique Engine Club, 4026 State Rt. 322, Wayne Township.
The Grand Entry, which includes all of the present dancers and veterans, is at noon every day.
“We do an honor dance for veterans and we invite the veterans to dance with us,” Morning Dove said.
Vendors are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. Dancing and drumming are from noon to 4:30 p.m. on Friday; noon to 4:30 p.m. and 8-10 p.m. on Saturday; and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Trade Blanket is Friday evening with an auction on Saturday. A Chinese auction and quilt raffle will be Sunday and 50/50 drawings will be held daily.
A suggestion donation for entry is $5 for ages 13-up; $3 for people 55-up and kids age 6-12; and veterans and kids 5-under are free.
The event will include four drums and dancing.
The Head Female Dancer will be Horse Dancer and the Head Male Dancer will be Wisdom Seeker with a special dancer for the Eagle Dance.
The scared fire is lit at the start of the powwow and remains lit throughout the event. Once the fire goes out, the powwow has ended.
“(The sacred fire) is lit in an antique way,” Morning Dove said. “It, and the circle, are blessed. The fire is lit at the beginning of the occasion and goes constantly until it goes out at the end. We have warriors stand and protect the fire to keep it lit, even during rain.”
All people are welcome at the powwow.
“We are considered a traditional powwow,” Morning Dove said. “We do not do competitions for dancing. Ours is a get-together and we learn from each other. Others who are not native are welcome to talk to the elders and ask questions.”
“We like to have people understand us,” Morning Dove continued. “We are satisfied to give information to people. Many people come in and befriend us. Some of them we end up adopting. Most everybody has a lineage of native blood. Those who don’t are in love with native concepts and follow us all the time.”
