THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, August 17, 1996 TAG: 9608160056
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E2 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY LINDA MCNATT, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: 49 lines
JUST BEFORE sunrise today, an Indian medicine man will hold a ritual to bless a small tract of ground in Chuckatuck, near Lone Star Lakes Park.
At noon, native Americans from across the United States will dance into a ring to celebrate the history and heritage of what once was the mighty Nansemond Indian nation.
Today and Sunday, in the land the tribe inhabited in the early years of this country's history, the Nansemonds will meet for their ninth annual pow wow on Pembroke Lane in northern Suffolk.
Native American dancers from all over will join with the Nansemonds for the event, which is meant to celebrate and to educate.
The pow wow, which begins with the grand entrance into the dance circle at noon today and at 1 p.m. Sunday, will feature music, survival demonstrations, interpretations, authentic crafts and food - including buffalo burgers and Indian tacos.
Sandy McCready of Portsmouth, secretary of the existing Nansemond tribe, grew up with only a vague knowledge of her Native American roots.
Twelve years ago, McCready met with other family members for the first time. And four years later, what amounted to a family reunion was opened to the public and shared with all of Hampton Roads when it became the Nansemond Indian Pow Wow.
``None of the dancers will go out until the ring has been blessed,'' said McCready, known as ``White Dawn.''
Last year, nearly 8,000 people traveled to northern Suffolk to see the Nansemonds dressed in authentic clothing and doing many of the same things their ancestors did nearly 400 years ago. This year, more than 10,000 people are expected.
``Most of the tribes have their own pow wows in other areas,'' McCready said. ``And we all come together to support each other. What people see is not pretending. Most of the regalia is handmade, one of a kind. When they talk about buckskin and beadwork, they are talking about from $2,000 to $10,000, and it might take five years to make.''
``This is a family event; everyone is invited,'' said Earl L. Bass II, pow wow chairman. Admission and parking are free. ILLUSTRATION: Graphic
IF YOU WANT TO GO
To get to the Nansemond Indian Pow Wow, take the U.S. Route 58
bypass to Route 10 North. Go about 5 miles to Pembroke Lane.
The Suffolk Sheriff's Department will be directing traffic to the
parking area. by CNB