Posted by Sonja Keohane <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> :
For any with an interest:
<http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/news/archive/Story1253790.html>
ABC to air 100-tribe Tucson powwow on New Year's Eve
A 10-day powwow involving more than 100 Native American tribes that
starts here Dec. 31 has grown to such proportions that ABC-TV plans
to televise the event as part of its millennium coverage on New
Year's Eve.
The New Millennium First Peoples' World Fair and Pow Wow, Thunder in
the Desert, was to feature 50 to 60 powwow dancers each day. The
number has grown to about 2,500 dancers each day, said Fred Synder ,
the event coordinator
.
The tremendous growth has put organizers in a bind, and they're
asking the community to help volunteer with food, lodging and any
other way they can, Synder said. Organizers have secured more than
400 hotel rooms for participants, but are asking churches for help
and are searching for Tucsonans to serve as host families. Synder
didn't have an estimate of how many people will attend the event,
which runs through Jan. 9 at Rillito Raceway Park. He said some will
need accommodations for only a few days. Weekends are expected to be
the busiest times, he said.
The event is open to the public and will include concerts, parades, a
round table dance to bring in the new millennium, a sunrise blessing
for the 21st century, a competition powwow, exhibition performances
and craft markets.
Theme days, such as Gourd Dance/Warrior Day, Alaska Natives Day,
Seventh Generation Youth Day and Senior Golden and Veterans Day are
planned throughout the week.
Proceeds from the event will go to the event's sponsor, Reservations
Creation Women's Circle Charitable Trust, a non-profit Tucson
organization whose mission is to preserve, protect and promote Native
American culture and traditions.
All activities are free, although there will be a recommended
donation of $10 to
$12 for the Electric Pow Wow concert.
Tucson was chosen for the event because it is close to many tribal nations, has
mild winter weather and is one of the top 20 urban areas for Native
American populations, Synder said. Arizona is home to 27 tribes,
including the Tohono O'odham and Pascua Yaqui
tribes in the Tucson area.
Event organizers are asking that people who can accommodate guests during the
event or help with food call 622-4900, or Gina John at 622-7611,
extension 1342.
Information about the event is available on the World Wide Web at
usaindianinfo.org
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