A Tribal Celebration
Today we attended a local Mother's Day Pow Wow, and the kids could not get enough of watching the Native Americans dance and play the drums. Of course, their wonder was accompanied by repeated loud shouts of, "Look at that Indian Mama!" Vika and Eamon are not very P.C., I'm afraid. But then, what kid is? I did try to explain to them that they might not like it if people kept pointing at them and yelling, "Look at those Russians!," but that is a hard concept for 4 and 5 year olds to understand.
Fortunately, the American Indians in attendance didn't seem to mind, and actually found the kids quite cute. Vika even managed to charm one vendor into letting her and Eamon wear necklaces and pose for pictures. As Jeff put Vika's necklace back on the table, his eyebrows raised a bit in surprise. The necklace cost $650, and they let a 5 year old put it around her neck!!! I didn't even look at how much the one Eamon was wearing cost. He kept tugging on it, and I'm just so thankful now that the strand of turquoise didn't break!
We all had a fun time watching the dancers parade around the arena, eating Indian Fry Bread, and listening to the drum groups sing their songs. I'm so glad the kids enjoyed this glimpse of a culture so different from theirs. I want them to be open-minded and globally aware people, and it seems they are headed in the right direction.
Standing by a teepee
Eamon trying to make fire
For more photos from the day, you can visit my Flickr Pow Wow set here.
Fortunately, the American Indians in attendance didn't seem to mind, and actually found the kids quite cute. Vika even managed to charm one vendor into letting her and Eamon wear necklaces and pose for pictures. As Jeff put Vika's necklace back on the table, his eyebrows raised a bit in surprise. The necklace cost $650, and they let a 5 year old put it around her neck!!! I didn't even look at how much the one Eamon was wearing cost. He kept tugging on it, and I'm just so thankful now that the strand of turquoise didn't break!
We all had a fun time watching the dancers parade around the arena, eating Indian Fry Bread, and listening to the drum groups sing their songs. I'm so glad the kids enjoyed this glimpse of a culture so different from theirs. I want them to be open-minded and globally aware people, and it seems they are headed in the right direction.
Standing by a teepee
Wearing the expensive necklaces
Vika with a Dancer
Vika with a Dancer
For more photos from the day, you can visit my Flickr Pow Wow set here.
It looks like they had fun!
Its Mothers Day here in Australia today Jenni, so I just wanted to say "Happy Mothers Day" to you.
XX
As for kids being P.C. I remeember when my young neice was about 5 and we were shopping and these Aboriginals (Native Aussies) came in. THey had very dark brown skin, and she says to me "Hey look at the Originals?" So cute, yet sooooooo loud. :)
Fabulous! I love First Nations art/dance/culture. They are truly wonderful people and a wonderful culture!
Pictures are adorable!!!
Happy Happy Mother's Day!
What a great experience for the kids.
Happy Mother's Day to you, Jenni!
Look at them! So cute!! And Eamon's smiling :-D Love it!!
Happy Mothers Day Jenni!!
Happy Mothers Day, Jenni!
xoxo
Kathy
That is awesome!
I remember being little going down to visit my grandfather (who is full blood cherokee) and watching them put on celebrations and such. I had so much fun and it is a memory I have still today!
As for being PC, I remember my oldest brother getting first upset when someone called us Indians! He kept screaming "I'm not Indian, I'm NATIVE!" he was about 14 and I was about 5. My mum went through and explained, but you know, no kids are pc, it's part of the "innocense of childhood", no one really cares.
Happy mother's day to you! hope you are having fun with the kiddos!
Looks like a fun day.
What a fun day! You must live in a great location- it seems there are always great things to do and see.
What a neat way to celebrate Mother's Day. Beats my day of being in the mall and stuffing my face full of food I shouldn't eat.