The purpose of this blog is to chronicle the progress of my research into Native American culture and identity from colonial and frontier settlement to the present. The first leg of the trip is to the Pacific Northwest. I landed in Seattle just in time for the SEAFAIR Powwow, a regional gathering of tribes for traditional dancing competitions, salmon bake dinners, and, of course, frybread! After spending an afternoon at the gathering, it was striking to see the blend of "traditional" with more "modern" lifestyles. Alongside regalia, chanting, and dancing it wouldn't be out of the ordinary to find men wearing tanktops and flip flops and baseball hats. Also striking was the sense of pride and dedication with which young boys fancy-danced in the main arena (I will post pics soon).
I still have many questions about the function and importance of these gatherings for individuals and separate tribes. As I travel to speak to academics and curators, I hope to find out more about historic examples of these types of gatherings so I can make comparisons between historical and contemporary life. How do tribes represent themselves and to what purpose? How has this changed over time? How have the negative events of history affected the participation and growth of these gatherings?
So, more questions than answers, but a great start to the trip.
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