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By Staff Reports

Event comes back after two-year break because of COVID-19 pandemic

The Poarch Creek Indians will once again celebrate its unique and enduring Thanksgiving traditions with its 50^th annual Pow Wow, which is slated for Nov. 24-25.

This is the first celebration of the Pow Wow after a two-year break because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The celebration, which will be held on the Poarch reservation, began in 1971 as a homecoming celebration for Tribal members.

Defined by its tradition of sharing, the Tribe extended invitations to friends and neighbors and the event grew rapidly.

At present, a half-century later, the Poarch Pow Wow has become a favorite tradition for thousands of Alabama families, as well as visitors from across America, who travel to Atmore to experience Poarch’s unique tradition and to honor the Tribe’s place in Alabama’s history.

“This year’s Pow Wow is especially meaningful to us,” said Chris “Ding Ding” Blackburn, planning and events coordinator for the Tribe. “We are so happy to be resuming the Pow Wow after having to cancel it the last two years due to COVID-19, and the fact this year also marks our 50^th celebration makes that return to tradition even more special. ”

Theeventwill have a lot ofactivitiesforallages.

Oneoftheeventsmost popular with visitors are the dance competitions where American Indians from over 20 Tribal Nations across the U.S. perform indigenous dances in authentic regalia. Both entertaining and educational, the dance competitions feature four age categories, and several different styles of dance,eacharrangedwithinmaleandfemaledivisions.

Another highlight is the annual crowning of the Poarch Creek Indian princesses. Once crowned, the princesses will serve as ambassadors for the Tribe throughout the year at public events, as well as Tribal gatherings, all around the United States.

“Pow Wow is a time of celebration that we all look forward to throughout the year,” said Stephanie Bryan, Tribal chair of PCI. “We are grateful for those who take this special opportunity to experience part of our 50 year Native American tradition. It is a true joy to share this cherished time with so many people, from places both near and far.”

In addition to the main performances, visitors can find unique crafts and goods at the many vendor booths including handmade items by Tribal artisans. Guests can also enjoy an array of delicious foods tempting a variety of tastes such as traditional home-cooked barbeque, fire-roasted corn or buffalo burgers.

The Pow Wow will run Nov. 24-25 beginning at 10 a.m. each day.

Admission is $5 per person for ages 7 and older. Children under 6 get in free.

For more information, go to https://pci-nsn.gov/annual-thanksgiving-pow-wow/ or on Facebook (Poarch Creek Indians Annual Pow Wow).