SALAMANCA, NY – Visitors, participants, spectators, neighbors, and friends from across the United States and Canada will return to the Seneca Nation’s Allegany Territory this weekend for the Marvin “Joe” Curry Veterans Powwow. The annual celebration of Native American culture and traditions will be held at the Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino in Salamanca on Saturday, July 20 and Sunday, July 21.
“The powwow is one of the most anticipated celebrations of the year,” writes the Powwow Committee. “It is an important celebration of our culture and a chance to celebrate common bonds with people from other Native nations, many of whom travel from across Indian Country to join us every year. Our powwow is also an opportunity for our non-Native friends and neighbors to learn more about our culture and traditions and to connect and celebrate with us as one community in a spirit of friendship.”
The powwow will feature several dance and drum competitions, with more than $100,000 in prizes awarded. Dance competition categories include Smoke Dance, Jingle Dance, Grass Dance, Fancy Dance, and Traditional Dance. Special categories include Family Specials, The 2nd Annual Woodland Worldwide Gold and Blue Star Special, the Women’s Traditional Special, Men’s Smoke Dance Special, and “Honor Mother Earth” Smoke Dance for female dancers of all ages. Competition winners will be announced on Sunday evening, before the conclusion of the powwow.
Other highlights include the Tiny Tots Dance, for dancers four years of age and younger, and Iroquois Social Dancing, in which all guests are invited and encouraged to participate. In addition, the Onohsagwe:de’ Cultural Center Revitalization Tent will feature Native crafts and artwork demonstrations, and a wide variety of vendors will offer traditional Native crafts, artwork, and food throughout the weekend. The powwow honors all veterans and is named in honor of Marvin “Joe” Curry, a member of the Seneca Nation of Indians’ Snipe Clan, who led a long and distinguished career of military service in the United States Navy, serving two tours of duty in the Korean War and also serving in the Vietnam War.
As a special part of this year’s powwow, a Veteran’s Suicide Prevention & Healing presentation will be held on Saturday at noon. The Seneca Nation is preparing to host the 4th Annual World Indigenous Suicide Prevention Conference next week in Niagara Falls. “Our veterans are true heroes,” said the Powwow Committee. “Our powwow honors all veterans for their service and bravery, but it is just as important for them to know there is a helping hand available to them when they need it.”
Gates open at 10:00am each day. Grand Entry will take place at 1:00pm on Saturday and noon on Sunday. Complete schedule, online ticket purchase, registration and contest information is available at senecapowwow.org.
