Just Do it

American Indian Powwow

by Jimmy Viola

Concert Fri., Oct. 17, 7 p.m., free; powwow Sat.-Sun., Oct. 18-19, 10 a.m.-10 p.m., $5-$7,the Rotunda, 4014 Walnut St., 215-573-3234, therotunda.org

With 500 nations still existing today, American Indian culture remains alive and well in the U.S. through song, dance and storytelling. Vaughnda Hilton's Philadelphia-based Native Nations Dance Theater is just one of the groups dedicated to preserving the traditions of tribes ranging from the Canadian Iroquois to the Blackfeet of Montana to Florida's Seminole. For three days, Hilton and her company welcome the public to take part in an American Indian powwow to celebrate friendship and community in the larger, rarely used sanctuary section of the Rotunda.

"It's a gathering for everybody to see the dances, hear the songs, try native food," says Hilton. The powwow will feature artists of American Indian ancestry in ceremonial regalia sharing centuries-old dances. The Eastern Blanket dance, performed by women, represents the life cycle and shows off intricate quilt work. Native Nations co-director Delwin Fiddler Jr., also known as Lakota Sun, will perform the Hoop Dance, during which he will pick up rings one by one until he has five simultaneously twirling around his legs, hips and arms. Audience participation is encouraged, and should one work up an appetite, samples of American Indian dishes such as fry bread and buffalo stew will be available.

According to Hilton, who has African and Jewish roots in addition to her Seminole and Creek ancestry, the tradition of unity among nature and all people is what keeps American Indian culture going strong. "People want to tie to their ancestral roots no matter where they come from or where they are," she says. "A lot of people have that innate drive because then you know where you are going."