8 Thursday, September 15, 2016 Island Beat Hawaii Tribune-Herald protocol (such as when photography is allowed) and leads the crowd — an estimated 300 to 500 people in years past — in the various dances. This year’s emcee is Kamana Hunter of the Mohawk tribe. Drumming will be provided by 808ndnz from Oahu. The other important event staff positions are the co-arena, represented this year by Jerry Buch from Wisconsin of the Oneida tribe, and director, Stan Spruce from Michigan of the Ojibwa tribe. Buch will serve in the honored position of headman, headwoman is Teresa Barber-Buch, and head veteran is Valerie Barber from Wisconsin of the Ojibwa tribe. Webster says there are more than 30 Native Americans coming from Michigan, Wisconsin and Canada to participate in this year’s powwow, representing many different tribes, including Navajo, Cherokee, Mohawk, Ojibwa, Oneida and Seneca, among others. There will be three indigenous speakers at the event as well. There are approximately 20,000 Native Americans residing in Hawaii and about 5,000 on the Big Island, Webster says. Although Jadeen Webster has no Native American heritage in her blood, she grew up in Wisconsin within a two-hour drive of 11 different Indian tribes. “They all have different traditions and we’ve always strived (at our event) to promote that individualism of each tribe and what they bring to our powwow,” says Jadeen, who is of Hawaiian and Chinese descent. “The powwows on every island are really different, but the Hawaii Island powwow has always been known to be more culturally centered.” Dances from each tribe carry different significance and protocol as well, and different songs and dancing styles are based on where each tribe is from. For instance, there is the men’s fancy dance, which features dramatic movements, spins and leaps, or the women’s fancy shawl, where women perform rapid spins and elaborate dance steps while wearing a fringed shawl. Then, there’s the jingle dress dance, otherwise known as the healing dance, where women wear a skirt with hundreds of small tin cones that make noise as the dancer moves. “Last year we had bird dancers from California, Iroquois smoke dancers and we’ve had Havasupai ram dancing. That tribe originates from the bottom of the Grand Canyon,” Jadeen says. “The Chippewa jingle dress is one of my favorites.” Says Rudy, “You’re dancing for your community, you’re dancing for a good life, you’re dancing for people to have a good mind. … When you’re dancing, you’re not out there dancing for yourself. You’re dancing for your people and your community.” The Websters note that the dance circle at the powwow is a sacred place, therefore, respect is paramount. “There will be people there to show you how to do the dances,” Rudy says. “But you go with the beat of the drum, not jumping around like your feet are on fire.” Two of the Websters’ sons, Sterling, 30, and Devin, 28, participate in the dancing, as do two of their grandchildren, Rayden, 10, and Kiki, 5. It took Rudy Webster nearly 10 years to put his full regalia together to represent his Oneida tribe: his feathered headdress, ribbon shirt with beadwork, beaded leggings, deer hoof decoration that jingles (which he wears below his knees) and moccasins. And, because he is part of the bear clan, he wears a bear paw that features raised beadwork. Each piece of his traditional dress is significant, but the powwow itself is really what carries the greatest meaning for Webster. “The importance of this event for me is more about my family coming together and practicing our dances, our culture — what we know,” Webster says. “I myself don’t know it all, so I like to enjoy our culture and other people’s cultures. It’s also about respecting the host culture, too.” Adds Jadeen, “I’d like to see the powwow bringing more cultural exchanges to the Big Island in the future. There are a lot of different nations that are represented on the Big Island. This is an opportunity for them to shine and share their culture with our host culture.” The Websters say most people have heard of a powwow but might not know what to expect. “If you’ve never been to a powwow, come, watch, learn, participate and ask questions if you don’t understand what’s going on,” Rudy Webster says. The Hawaii Island All Nations Powwow is an alcohol- and drugfree event in partnership with Hui Pu Laka Moku O Keawe, Lokahi Treatment Centers and the Native Intertribal Council for Heritage and Education. People are welcome to bring their own pop-up tents and chairs. POWWOW From page 6 Courtesy photo Powwow attendees prepare to enter the round dance.
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