Marvin “Joe” Curry Veterans Powwow 2023
Marvin “Joe” Curry Veterans Powwow 2023
Culture & Celebration Unite in Salamanca, NY When the Powwow Returns on July 15th & 16th
Photos Courtesy of senecapowwow.org
Picture this: It’s a beautiful summer day. The sun is shining and there’s a light breeze in the air. You’re on your way to Salamanca, NY to experience the Marvin “Joe” Curry Veterans Powwow - maybe for the first time. As you enter into Veteran’s Park (520 Broad Street), you hear the sound of drums and you see color everywhere. You can smell the native food and you discover a vendor village filled with native, handcrafted wares.
Now mark your schedule for July 15th and 16th and bring your vision to life when the Powwow returns. For those not familiar with the Powwow, let’s break it down…
The Powwow is an annual tradition with a deep, rich history. ellicottvilleNOW reached out to the Powwow Committee, which shared with us that, “The Seneca Nation has been hosting our annual Powwow for more than 30 years. The Powwow is an important celebration of our culture and a chance to honor veterans who have served. We view it as an opportunity to not only connect and reconnect with friends and family from across Indian Country to celebrate the common bonds we share, but also as a chance to share our culture with our neighbors here in Western New York and to help build a better understanding of who we are as Seneca people and how our history and culture have helped shape our entire region. Last year was our first Powwow after having to cancel for two consecutive years because of COVID. It was great to see so many people return, and we think this year’s event will be just as spirited.”
Salamanca’s Powwow boasts one of the largest smoke dances in North America. When asked why the Smoke Dance is such a huge part of the festival, the Powwow Committee explained that it is a traditional Haudenosaunee dance - a very fast and athletic dance, which is incredible to watch. You can’t help but be amazed at the footwork of the dancers while they are performing. “It is always one of the more popular dances during the Powwow,” said the Committee. “Smoke Dance competitions regularly attract a large number of men and women dancers of all ages from across Indian Country.”
The festival also showcases a wealth of vendors peddling not just typical wares but traditional native crafts. Just like the songs and dances at the Powwow, the crafts and artwork you will see help tell the story of Seneca and Native history and culture. Browse traditional beadwork, baskets, carvings, cornhusk dolls – these are all skills that have been passed on from generation to generation throughout history. They were critical to the culture and lifestyle centuries ago, and they are still important to them today. The vendors and artisans at the Powwow share that story through their works and are excited to share it with you. So make sure to peruse each vendor and find some items that speak to you to bring back home.
Another cultural experience at the Powwow is their food and drink. “We are a welcoming culture and society,” stated the Committee. “Our Haudenosaunee ancestors lived in longhouses, where they shared what they had with all of the families and family members who lived under the same roof. When we welcome people to our territory, we welcome them as guests and offer to share with them what is ours. So, the foods that people can enjoy at the Powwow - from traditional foods to modern favorites - are part of our spirit of community.” (Think fry bread, bean/corn soup etc.) The best way to find out this year’s offerings is to follow the “Seneca Veterans Powwow” Facebook page.
The Smoke Dance isn’t the only entertainment you’ll experience during the Powwow. The Drum Contest is sure to get everyone in rhythm, and there will be dance contests for men, women, teenagers, young adults, and even little children in many different categories, including Grass Dance, Fancy Dance, Jingle Dance, Smoke Dance, and more. Other special dance categories will be on the bill, including a “We Are Still Here” smoke dance that honors the survivors and families of the Indian Residential School era. In addition to all of the dance competitions, they will also hold a social dance where they encourage everyone to participate.“Be sure to stop by our cultural tent which provides live demonstrations throughout both days from local and visiting artists, storytellers, and musicians,” added the Committee. We think the area will echo with our traditional songs and the sounds of community, family, and celebration.”
I asked what they felt made the Powwow so significant to their culture? The Committee replied, “We have been here since time immemorial, and our ancestors faced countless challenges and threats just to stay here. Throughout history, Native people have faced every effort to remove us from our lands, to remove our history, our language, and our culture. We have had to fight across every generation just to preserve our identity and our sense of place. Despite every challenge, we are still here. Our culture and our history and our traditions are still thriving. The Powwow is a chance to celebrate who we are, where we have been, what we have endured, and where we are going.”
Discover, learn and experience this year’s Marvin “Joe” Curry Veterans Powwow at Veteran’s Park in Salamanca, NY July 15-16th. Gates open at 12:00pm each day and single day admission tickets are $10 for ages 18+, $5 for students ages 5-17 and $5 for ages 60+. Active military, veterans and those 4 and under get in FREE. More details about the event including entering contests and requirements for dancers can be found senecapowwow.org.
Let’s end with a quote from the Powwow Committee, “We look forward to seeing old friends, meeting new friends, and sharing our culture and our story with everyone for what we hope will be a fantastic celebration.”