Two-day Pow Wow at First Tennessee Pavilion

Representatives of 20 tribes of American Indians from across the country will gather in downtown Chattanooga this weekend for a two- day powwow that is both educational and entertaining for visitors

Native American Services is sponsoring Pow Wow on the River Saturday- Sunday, March 25-26, in First Tennessee Pavilion. The mission of Native American Services is to educate people about American Indian history and culture.

Many forms of art are i ncluded in t his celebration from the music, dancing and drumming, to participants’ i ntricately designed apparel. Demonstrations are given in bow making, weaving, beading, flint knapping, cornhusk crafts and other skills.

Saturday’s event opens at 10 a. m. with remarks and a performance of Aztec dancing. Throughout the day there will be intertribal competitions, drum and dance contests, and a flute performance by Gareth Laffely at 5:15 p.m.

Sunday’s event begins with a church service at 10:15 a.m. The Aztec dancers will perform at 11: 15 a.m. and Laffely at 4 p.m.

Grand entries, which are colorful processionals of all participating tribes, are scheduled Saturday at noon and 6 p.m., and Sunday at noon.

For more information or a complete daily schedule, check the website: naservices.org.

STAFF FILE PHOTO Wes Collins, from Cleveland, Tenn., dances during last year’s Pow Wow on the River in First Tennessee Pavilion.