![]() ![]() The founders were “first generation,” meaning that their parents had been born on reservations. The troupe was founded by a group of ten Native American men and women, all New Yorkers, who were descended from Mohawk, Hopi, Winnebago and San Blas tribes. The Thunderbird American Indian Dancers are the oldest resident Native American dance company in New York. Queens Farm is located at 73-50 Little Neck Parkway in Floral Park, New York. Admission is free to the Native American Craft and Food Market. Three-day passes are available for $24–$36. ![]() This is a wonderfully educational and entertaining cultural event.”Īudience tickets to view the dance competitions are $12–$18. “This Powwow showcases a living, developing culture. “Most people think of Native American culture as a thing of the past,” stated Louis Mofsie, Director of the Thunderbird American Indian Dancers. The Thunderbird American Indian Powwow at Queens County Farm Museum is one of the ten largest Powwows in the United States. Visitors can learn firsthand how the original inhabitants of this great land celebrate their continued legacy. The Thunderbird American Indian Powwow experience at Queens County Farm Museum connects the public to these Native traditions and cultures. The modern powwow, developed after the institution of the Reservation System, is derived from the Plains Indians Dance gatherings and primarily features dance styles developed in the Plains. Powwows are social gatherings where friends and family can enjoy each other’s company, often after many months of separation – a tradition that goes back thousands of years. Powwows have evolved over time and vary among different tribes, but they generally share common elements that highlight the richness of indigenous cultures. They serve as a vibrant celebration of Native American traditions, heritage, and values, while also providing an opportunity for intertribal connections and cultural exchange. Native American powwows are significant cultural gatherings that hold deep meaning for indigenous communities. The Native American Food and Craft Market features over fifteen North and Central American vendors specializing in food, traditional handcraft, artisanal instruments and drums, wampum, modern and vintage jewelry, ceramics, stones and crystals, beadwork, and textiles such as woven garments and embroidery. Additional fare includes smoked meats plus local fish and seafood from local tribes. Sometimes it is eaten with a stew or just by itself with a handful of strawberries sprinkled on top. A signature dish not to be missed is the native fry bread, a traditional plate of deep-fried confection that is enjoyed by many Native communities in various forms. In addition to dance demonstrations and competitions, the Thunderbird American Indian Powwow will host a one-of-a-kind food and craft market featuring Native American vendors. The bonfire is lit each evening after sunset between 8:00 pm–9:00 pm. At the end of the Friday and Saturday evening sessions, the audience is invited to join in around the bonfire and move to the beat alongside the Native dancers offering an incredible, authentic experience. Each dance is explained to the public through interactive storytelling. The momentous Grand Entry is an opportunity for the public to experience the full regalia of the dancers. In addition, there are several other non-competitive dances such as Gourd Dance, Round Dance, Rabbit Dance, and demonstrations of Iroquois, Pueblo or Apache dances. The program includes 6 major dance categories for competing dancers. Welcoming Native American and non-Native people, the Thunderbird American Indian Powwow celebrates American Indian Culture through music, dance, authentic Native-made jewelry, crafts, textiles and food. ![]() Dancers come from all over the United States and Canada to participate in this event. Over forty Indian Nations will be represented at this 3-day program including Hopi, Winnebago, Cherokee, Kiowa, Lakota, Navajo, Santo Domingo, Taino, Matinecock, Shinnecock, San Blas Kuna, Rappahanock, Choctaw, Osage, and Delaware Nations. This year, the Thunderbird American Indian Powwow will feature three days of intertribal dance competitions, a Native American Craft and Food Market, and two evening programs culminating in a bonfire at dusk welcoming the audience into the dance circle. Queens County Farm Museum is the longest running presenter of Native American arts and culture in New York City. Queens County Farm Museum’s Thunderbird American Indian Powwow presented in partnership with the Thunderbird American Indian Dancers is back in its 44th year on Friday, July 28 through Sunday, July 30. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |