Published: January 12, 2009 11:47 pm      

Pow Wow to celebrate Native American culture

The 15th Annual Benefit Native American Pow Wow is coming to Greenville Saturday.

This year’s Pow Wow will convene at 10 a.m. at Greenville High School. The local Pow Wow is one of the largest events in the state and the only one organized on a school campus.

The Pow Wow is designed as a way to celebrate Native American tribal culture. The free admission event usually draws a large crowd of spectators and participants to the high school gym. There are two grand entry dances scheduled, one at noon and the other at 6:30 p.m. on the day of the Pow Wow.

The Greenville High School Native American Club sponsors the Pow Wow. The club is open to all Greenville students and seeks to emphasize the tribal customs, culture and history of Native Americans. All money raised from the event goes to provide scholarships for the students.

Pow wows are social occasions and can take the form of family honorings, general celebrations or dance competitions. Greenville’s event is a combination of all of the above, as people come from as far away as Oklahoma and New Mexico to take part, renew ties and enjoy the moment.

The Pow Wow in Greenville typically features several champions in Native American dancing competing in various styles, as well as vendors offering Native American food and arts and crafts. Entrants are expected from across Texas, as well as from as far away as Oklahoma and New Mexico.

Still and video cameras are welcome. Visitors will be provided with information on Pow Wow “dos and don’ts” to learn how they can participate in various activities.



Those wanting additional information can contact organizer Arby Little Soldier at 903-450-1859.