Inter-Tribal Powwow organizers pray for clear skies

For the past two years, it has been “When it rains, it pours” for the Grand Bois Inter-Tribal Powwow planners.

Heavy rains cancelled the powwow in 2007, and hurricanes Gustav and Ike ravaged the area in 2008.

However, the Isle Jean Charles band of Biloxi-Chitimacha Choctaw Indians hopes the event can return this year Friday, Sept. 18, through Sunday, Sept. 20, without bad weather.

“The anticipation for the event is high,” said event coordinator Ernest Dardar. “I have been getting calls constantly. People are so excited about the event returning this year. I just hope the weather holds off.”

The event dates back to 1994, when the area Indians held their first powwow to celebrate their heritage and culture, while preserving the local Indian culture and its contribution to Louisiana culture. Houma Indians were joined by Native Americans from across the southern reaches of the U.S., a tradition that continues today. By the weekend’s end, thousands of Native Americans representing a number of tribes and visitors will attend the Grand Bois Inter-Tribal Powwow.

“American Indians live in the same diverse communities with many ethnic groups,” Dardar said. “We fit in all the while trying to still maintain our culture and identity. But we can all come together in a powwow to thank the Great Spirit for the blessing of the past season and to ask for those blessings to continue into the next.”

To them, the powwow is like a big family reunion that marks the end of the season and the beginning of a new one.

“We are proud of our heritage and culture, because the American Indians have always been put down and we want them to come see what we’re about,” said Dardar, who is a member of the Isle Jean Charles band of Biloxi-Chitimacha Choctaw.

The powwow is a re-enactment of certain spiritual and symbolic aspects of the American Indian way of life.

The ceremonies and other events may be entertainment with the colorful regalia, drumming and singing, but for the American Indians it’s a way to honors their ancestors, elders and families as well as Indian veterans, law enforcement officers and firefighters.

Dardar said the group pays respect to emergency responders for their selfless action when protecting the area.

The three-day powwow traditionally begins with a gourd dance, a special type of dance unique to southern tribes. Dancers stand outside of the arena, shake their rattles and lift their heels to the beat of a drum.

That is followed by the grand entrance and traditional ceremonial dances in the Sacred Circle, which one must be invited into to enter.

Dardar said the powwow is also the perfect way to experience American Indian culture, including traditional Indian regalia, dancing and cuisine – Indian tacos, Machu corn and fried bread.

The event will also have Cajun dishes like shrimp patties, gumbo, jambalaya and white beans.

All tribes are invited to the powwow. Visitors are also welcome. But, there are some rules that visitors must follow to assure that they don’t disrespect the culture of the American Indians in attendance.

The event is alcohol-and drug-free. No ice chests are allowed, but food, soft drinks and water will be available. Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.

Powwow organizers only ask that visitors respect the Sacred Circle. No food or drinks are allowed in the circle. Dardar said benches form the circle, and if there is a blanket on the bench, please don’t move it because a dancer has reserved his or her place.

Visitors are asked not to cross the circle either. Dardar said cameras and camcorders are allowed. But out of courtesy, before taking anyone’s picture, ask the individual.

The event will be held in Grand Bois Park on the Bourg-Larose Highway, Friday, Sept. 18, from 5-11 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 19, from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 20, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Admission is $3 per person and $2 for students. Senior citizens and children under 12 are free.

For more information, contact Ernest Dardar at (985) 594-7410.

The three-day Grand Bois Inter-Tribal Powwow attracts thousands of Native Americans and visitors from across the region.