Native American powwow in Queens celebrates culture and heritage

FLORAL PARK, Queens (PIX11) — The number of Indigenous people in the United States is estimated at between 4 and 7 million people, and only 20% of the Native Americans live on reservations.

There was a big powwow at the Queens County Farm Museum on Sunday to celebrate American Indian culture.

At the 45th annual Thunderbird American Indian Powwow, one of the highlights is the dance competition. Members of 40 different tribes compete to keep their traditions alive and show visitors the powwow more about their culture and heritage.

“Right here in the United States, there are more 5 million Native Americans, some live on reservations and some live in big cities like New York,” Louis Mofsie, the director of Thunderbird American Indian Dance Company, told PIX11 News.

Mattah Wright, a Shinnecock member, showed PIX11 News her jingle dress and dance.

“It’s a healing dance, originally from the Canadian and Michigan area,” Wright told PIX11 News. “It’s a contemporary style of dance.”

More than 40 vendors were spread out across the dozens of acres of the centuries-old farm museum. They were selling everything from handmade Native American jewelry to antiques.

“I like that there is handmade jewelry,” 10-year-old Kova Baranenko, wearing new earrings, told PIX11 News.

There were also Native American blankets with turtles, fish and thunderbirds.

“I just bought the turtle, and last year I bought the fish,” Valarie Castro-Bundy said.

And then there was the food. A particular favorite was an Indian taco made with Lakota fry bread that practically everyone had to sample.

“It’s a little messy, but it’s awesome,” Ian Isbister said.

At the Lakota Fry Bread tent, Jackie Jackson, one of the chefs, told PIX11 News the secret of the bread’s popularity.

“The secret is honestly being in a good space,” Jackson told PIX11 News. “It is our belief that whatever your attitude is when you are cooking, you should enjoy what you are doing.”

The proceeds from this 45th Annual Thunderbird annual powwow will go towards scholarships for Native Americans.

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