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Townsend’s 3rd Annual Native American Heritage Month Celebration
Author: Laura Stevenson

Townsend’s 3rd Annual Native American Heritage Month Celebration

Laura Stevenson

Did you know that New York was the first state to establish an “American Indian Day” in 1916? This effort was to acknowledge the many contributions and accomplishments of the First Nation’s people. As part of the bicentennial commemoration in 1976 President Gerald Ford authorized the October 10-16th “Native American Awareness Week.” In 1986 Congress passed S.J. Res.390, requesting that the president designate November 23-30th, as “American Indian Week”. Cited from https://www.senate.gov.

Learning about this was a motivating initiative behind sponsoring an event within our community, Townsend. The celebration is intended to spark awareness and excitement around learning more about our local and rich Native American culture.

This year our event kicked off at 11:00 AM, on Sunday, November 4th, at the amazing Townsend Elementary School facility. The kitchen cafeteria area was perfect, allowing us the space for the drummers, dancers, vendors and those who came to have some lunch and expand their appreciation and knowledge of our First Nation’s people.

The Last Chance Community Pow Wow Committee brought our celebration to life with their delicious Indian Tacos and Frybread, The Magpie Singers and Dancers and Stories from our Elders.

The atmosphere was filled with the smell of fresh frybread the sounds of singing, drumming, and jingle dancers. I observed an engaged crowd, tapping their heels in sync with the rhythm of the drum and perusing the vendors’ wares.

The dancers were brightly dressed in their beautiful regalia; some with jingle cones and detailed beadwork which they had created themselves.

Cary Youpee from the Magpie Singers explained the significance of the drums, songs and introduced the dances.

Elders Daniel Pocha and Louise Fischer enlightened listeners with traditional stories about Creator, life lessons and history of their tribes.

Helena Indian Alliance had a vendor booth filled with information of the resources and the variety of services they offer in Helena.

Bones, Stones, and Brass Indigenous Crafts brought skillfully hand-crafted merchandise including drums made of elk and buffalo skins, turtle shell rattles, hand-beaded jewelry, ribbon skirts and cedar boxes.

Local artist, Amy Lee Smith of Raven's Earthbound Creations, displayed animal pelts, beaded/shell jewelry, and a pair of baby moccasins. She had pictures of her grandfather and was excited to share with anyone who had questions about her craft in her booth.

The Last Chance Community Pow Wow booth displayed information about the demonstrations and events they hold all throughout the State. They also had unique gifts, such as Native American angel ornaments, beautiful artwork and photographs of horse and buffalo. So much to look at and purchase.

An area was available for children young and old to play “Ring the Stick”, a popular Native American game played by children. The player tosses the ring into the air and tries catching it with the end of the stick. The game is useful in teaching about the importance of goals, dreams and eye-hand coordination.

Townsend locals and some from surrounding areas all enjoyed the celebration event; it is estimated that approximately 130 community members celebrated with us this year!

All was made possible because of the contributions of so many, for which we would like to say Thank YOU!:

The Last Chance Community Pow Wow Committee

The Magpie Singers

The Helena Indian Alliance

Story Tellers: Elders Daniel Pocha and Louise Fischer

The Vendors: Raven's Earthbound Creations & Bones, Stones and Brass

Our local Businesses: The Bird’s Nest and HWY 12 Marketplace donated bottled water which enabled us to offer “free” water to all participants.

Juanita Bray and John Larsen: Donated the colored fliers.

Townsend Schools: Rachael Brug and School Staff

Private Sponsors

See you all next year!

Article Images

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PhotoCredit: Nancy Marks, MT43 News Photographer
Image 1 Caption: Dancers and Drummers Nancy Marks, MT43 News Photographer **Used alternate photo of dancers*~STwm*
Image 2 Caption: Townsend local artist, Amy Lee Smith, with her Raven's Earthbound Creations Nancy Marks, MT43 News Photographer
Image 3 Caption: Elder, Daniel Pocha, entertains the crowd Nancy Marks, MT43 News Photographer
Image 4 Caption: Tia Tallwhiteman, Tina Marcum, Elder Louise Fischer and Jerrica Marcum Nancy Marks, MT43 News Photographer
Image 5 Caption: Bones, Stones and Brass, Indigenous Crafts of Deer Lodge displayed their handcrafted wares Nancy Marks, MT43 News Photographer