History books often tell us that the first Thanksgiving occurred in 1621, when Pilgrims and Native Americans shared their harvest.
More than 400 years later, a tribe in South Alabama has its history and traditions on the menu in an annual celebration known as a Pow Wow.
Justin “Bobo” Rolin, cultural educator for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, said the Pow Wow started as a way for tribe members to come together for fellowship, basically an annual homecoming. “Just like a family reunion. Our people always enjoyed seeing each other,“ he said. ”We gathered to dance, sing, eat, and tell stories. At that time our Pow Wow was very small and now it has grown into one of the largest in the Southeast.”
There are 570 federal tribal nations in the United States, and each has its own traditions and culture. Visitors to the Pow Wow experience Native American celebrations, with dancers in full regalia as they compete for honors. Their bright, colorful clothing and accessories provide an explosion of color as they perform to the drum beats that accompany them. Each dance, along with the music, tells a story, and tribe members are happy to share and explain them. Just ask. Mr. Rolin says the dances are the most popular with visitors and he enjoys seeing the reactions of people who have never experienced anything like a Pow Wow. “I always see people talking and taking pictures with the dancers,“ he said. ”During dances I look out into the crowd and see the expression on peoples’ faces. These looks are amazement, happy, excitement, and pride.”
The Pow Wow isn’t just for the tourists, as Mr. Rolin cites the importance of making sure the culture and traditions are carried on by the children and not lost. “Passing on our culture to our youth is the upmost importance today. It teaches our children this sense of belonging; it creates a bond with our ancestors who passed on, and it lets them know who they are,” he explained. Children of the tribe participate in the dances as well, as they’re tasked with keeping traditions alive as they learn the history of the tribe.
Each nation has its own traditions and culture, and Native Americans are taught to respect each nation. Pow Wows are just a gathering of all tribal nations. About 20 tribal nations are represented in the dance competitions, so you can experience the differences and learn about their history.
Along with being witness to a living history lesson, you can do some early Christmas shopping, as traditional Native American crafts will be on sale. Visitors who come hungry will find barbecue, ham, fried chicken, and, of course, turkey. You can also try a buffalo burger. But guests are often hooked on a Native American staple: corn. There’s always a long line for the most popular food item at the event, as tribe members dip each ear in butter before serving. Many say it’s the best corn they ever tasted, probably because of the method it’s prepared: the corn is oak wood fire-roasted. When asked if there’s a trick in cooking such delicious corn, Mr. Rolin said, “This is a well-kept family secret.”
That land on which you’ll walk is honored through the dances and the music. Members of the tribe feel they’re connecting with the earth—a connection you can experience while enjoying a very unique Thanksgiving.
