Townsend’s 3rd Annual Native American Heritage Celebration!
 | Author:
Sarah Tallwhiteman
Sarah Tallwhiteman: MT43 News Layout Editor and Ad Editor |
Townsend’s 3rd Annual Native American Heritage Celebration!
Sarah Tallwhiteman
November is Native American Heritage Month, the month that people of all cultures are encouraged to spend more time focusing on the traditions and history of our First Nations people. Sunday, November 3rd, starting at 11:00 am and ending at 2:00 pm, Broadwater County and surrounding areas are invited to do just that!
What began as a small event with a few local native artists and homemade frybread in 2022, is anticipated even to outgrow last year’s event!
The first year was held at the old Birds Nest store (now Hwy 12 Marketplace). Local artist, Laura Stevenson of Big Sky Angels, was gifted by her parents, Juanita Bray and John Larsen, a second print of the book Little Braids Quest in the West. The interactive History Lesson was written by her brother Don Larsen and illustrated by Laura. She wanted to introduce the book locally.
Laura’s daughter, Sarah Tallwhiteman, had been on her own quest to try and find a local Native American community. She wanted to support her daughters’, Tia and Kianna, and help spark an interest for them in learning their culture and heritage. Laura and Sarah had the idea to invite local Native American people to display their art and bring attention to their culture.
The response from the community was very positive. Tee Jay Hemsworth brought her art and wore regalia that she spoke about, teaching people symbolisms and about dancing prayers. Amy Lee also had a booth where she displayed handmade rattlesnake jewelry and more. She taught through her book of pictures which documented her harvest of the materials for the craft. Takoda Oldham helped save the day after the vendor in charge of frybread canceled that morning. He hurried to help make the frybread, teaching Tia and Kianna as well, while Sarah chopped all the toppings! And Laura was able to display the new print and even sold a few of her handmade Ring the Stick games. A great time was had by all!
Last year took place at American Legion Post 42, where it was supported by the Helena Indian Alliance and Last Chance Community Pow Wow Committee. We had three vendor tables. Katelyn Griepp with Helena Indian Alliance, Rachael Brugg with Reading Leaves Bookstore and Laura with Big Sky Angels. The community enjoyed Last Chance Community Pow Wow Committee’s world-famous frybread tacos (made fresh-to-order in the kitchen), live stories from Elders Louise Fischer and Daniel Pocha, and the Magpie Singers and Dancers who drummed and danced in regalia. People from all backgrounds were given an opportunity to sit and/or sing at the drum and participate in a couple of round dances; a first for many.
The local event was started in honor of Tia and Kianna. They have become active members of the Magpie Singers and Dancers group who have taken them under wing. Linda Youpee created jingle regalia so Tia could dance her first powwow at Last Chance Community Pow Wow this year. Magpie members at the drum have encouraged Kianna to sit and sing at the drum and she was able to do so at this powwow as well. Both girls will be part of the drumming and dancing at the Townsend event!
This year we will be holding the event at Townsend Schools, inside the North Pine Entrance. We hope to interest other local families to engage in this free family-friendly gathering. The community is invited to join us in eating delicious frybread tacos, learning stories from Elders Louise and Daniel, dancing and drum demonstrations by the Magpie Singers and more.
For more information, email
NativeAmericanHeritage.Townsend@gmail.com . The Vendor Sign-up Deadline is Wednesday, October 30, so please email us as soon as possible if you are interested in free vendor space!
See you there!
Article Images
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Image 1 Caption: Magpie Singers Drum Group invited attendees to participate in singing, dancing or drumming.
Photo Credit: Sarah Tallwhiteman
Image 2 Caption: Jingle Dancers, Jerrica, Lyla and Joscelin performed with the Magpie Singers.
Photo Credits: Dee Gannon
