Powwow

AUGUSTA-Clear blue skies on Sunday made the already amazingly beautiful and colorful costumes worn by the Native American dancers even more vivid as they moved to the haunting sounds of the "Drum" at the seventh annual Sussex County Powwow held at the fairgrounds in Augusta last weekend. The powwow is one of four sponsored each year by the Redhawk Native American Arts Council, a small grassroots not-for-profit organization founded in 1994 and maintained by Native American artists and educators who reside in and around New York City. "Our mission is to educate the general public and break stereotypes by presenting the traditions and social contributions of Native Americans through song, dance and the arts," said Cliff Mathias, event director. "We are in control of our culture and how our young people and others see us," he added. Dancers from all over the country and Mexico participated in the powwow while Native American crafts, jewelry, art and food was offered by more than 50 vendors. During the grand entrance, veterans from all wars were honored and invited to join in the dancing. "The veteran is one of the most honored figures in Native American culture and American Indians are among the most decorated in the country," said Mathias.