The walk remembers the plight of the Native Americans forced from their ancestral homes to the Indian territory in what became the State of Oklahoma. Diary records of the removal mentioned Port Royal, the last stop before leaving Tennessee, as an encampment site where the Cherokee stayed to re-supply, grind corn and rest. Hundreds of Cherokee died during their trip west, and thousands more perished as a consequence of relocation.

The third annual Trail of Tears Memorial Walk

Members of the Hawaii O Tenesi Hawaiian Civic Club

Attendance this year was somewhat lower than expected most likely due to the cold wet weather on Saturday, but it picked up with the warm sunny weather on Sunday. NCC Treasurer Philenese Slaughter said “Everyone who attended had a wonderful time.” she had especially glowing praise for the Hawaii O Tenesi Hawaiian Civic Club who preformed on Saturday, “The Hawaiian dancers added a lot, and are wonderful. I want to thank them for coming out and sharing their culture with the mainland Indians.”

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

WWII Veteran John Clark

Part of the Grand Entry ceremony that opens the Powwow each day is giving special recognition to the Active duty soldiers, and Veterans from all branches of the Military that are present. One of those recognized was John Clark who fought in the United States Army in the Pacific theater of operations during World War II. He celebrated his 91st birthday at the Powwow this year. John was accompanied by his daughter who was also a retired army veteran. The Women Veterans of America had a booth at the Powwow providing information about their organization to the attendees.

The Head lady this year was supposed to be Jill Smith, but she became ill a day before the Powwow began, and was sent home to recover. The head man was Chris Crosby. Faron Weeks the Master of Ceremony. Charles Page served as the Head Vet. Shawn Longfeather as the arena master. The Powwow Princess was Christa Koontz. The host drum was The White Horse Singers from Alabama. The guest drum was Southern Echo which hales from East Tennessee.

The Powwow showcased the best of Native American culture, and in doing so reminded us all of the heritage of this great land that we all call home. And since in Tennessee October is “Native American Indian Month,” the Powwow was a great way to celebrate it.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

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The chant begins and the drums follow, dancers enter the circle clad in bright colors, with open honest faces. They circle around once, twice, three times each dancer projecting their own clearly palpable welter of emotions. They exit the circle and the crowd gathers around them, it is a celebration. Welcome to the 12th annual Clarksville Native Cultural Circle Intertribal Powwow.

The Powwow showcases the culture, heritage, and traditions of all Native Americans. This years powwow is being held on October 10th and 11th . Located on Highway 238 in Port Royal, just past Port Royal State Park. The festivities start around 9:00 am on Saturday, and 10:00 am on Sunday. The Grand Entry which officially opens each day begins around Noon.

Everyone is welcome, it does not matter if you are a Native American or not! Being your family out and share in the fellowship that is such a huge part of Native American culture. Let the tranquility of the powwow grounds refresh your spirit.

One of the many traditional dances from the 2008 NCC Intertribal Powwow

NCC 2008 Powwow Head Lady Loretta Howard

The Head lady this year is Jill Smith, the head man is Chris Crosby. Faron Weeks is the Master of Ceremony. Charles Page is serving as the Head Vet. Shawn Longfeather is the arena master. This year’s Powwow Princess is Christa Koontz. The host drum is The White Horse Singers from Alabama. This year the guest drum is Southern Echo which hales from East Tennessee.

Traditional dances are part and parcel to powwows, there will be special children’s and young peoples dances as well. Scheduled performers include the Hui Hawaii O Tenesi Hawaiian Civic Club, a storyteller and flute players. Like all festivals, vendors will be on hand, however Native vendors at powwows offer only authentic Native American jewelry, arts and crafts and clothing. There will also be vendors offering food and beverages for sale. The Host Drum, The White Horse Singers have their first Album available on CD for purchase.

Members of the Hui Hawaii O Tenesi Hawaiian Civic Club perform at the 2008 NCC Powwow

There is a small admission fee: Adults are 5$; Active duty military- with ID, and children, 15 years of age and under, are admitted free; Senior citizens 65 and older pay only $2. there is no charge for parking. Proceeds from the Powwow are used to purchase Native American textbooks which are donated to area school libraries. The NCC is an charitable education non-profit organization. Charitable donations are appreciated, and are tax deductible. Visitors are reminded to wear comfortable shoes, bring a lawn chair and wear sun cover and sunscreen.

NCC Trail of Tears Memorial Walk

Be sure to come out early on Saturday October 10th, and take part in the 3rd Annual NCC trail of Tears Memorial Walk which will begin at 10:00am. The walk remembers the forced removal of the native tribes from their homelands to the Indian Territory in what became the State of Oklahoma. Diary records of the removal mentioned Port Royal, the last stop before leaving Tennessee, as an encampment site where the Cherokee stayed to re-supply, grind corn and rest. Hundreds of Cherokee died during their trip west, and thousands more perished as a consequence of relocation.

Schedule of Events

A small note these times are approximate. Native Americans typically operate on what is jokingly known as “Native American Standard time,” which basically means “it happens, when it happens”.

Saturday

• Gates open – 9 a.m.
• Port Royal Memorial Trail of Tears Walk – 10 a.m.
• Welcome – 12 p.m.
• Grand Entry – 12 p.m.
• Posting the colors and Flag Song
• Demonstrations, dancing, and storytelling
• Retiring of the colors
• Activities end at 6 p.m.
• Dinner for Drums, Dancers, Vendors, and Staff

Sunday

• Gates open – 10 a.m.
• Welcome – 12:30 p.m.
• Grand Entry – 1 p.m.
• Posting the colors and Flag Song
• Demonstrations, dancing, and storytelling
• Retiring of the colors
• Activities end at 5 p.m.

Sponsors are appreciated

The Native Cultural Circle wishes to thank all of their sponsors again this year for their support in the festival booklet. Individuals, organizations and local businesses are encouraged to show their support for this local cultural celebration. Super 8 Motel, Huntco Drive and M.L.K. Pky, just left from I-24 Exit 11, is serving as honorary guest hotel.

For more info, email inquiries to: or .

On a moonlit Lantern tour of Historic Port Royal, you can find the answers to these questions and more, including a first hand account of the Cherokee traveling the Trail of Tears, what really happened during the Tobacco Wars, and the theories surrounding the end of the Silk Mill.

On Thursday, October 23, at  6 p.m., tours will step into Port Royal’s past, with groups leaving the Port Royal State Historic Park Interpretive Center every twenty minuets until 9 p.m. Each stop along the way will be 8-10 minutes long, for a total of an hour long tour. The tours are free and open to the public.

Afterwards, on your way out, be sure to stop by the bonfire for refreshments and more historic tales as told by local residents in the Port Royal community. This event is an ideal Autumn evening for the whole family. The tour is not frightening, nor meant to be scary; it  revisits some of Port Royal’s most famous notables, but may send a bit of a chill up your spine.

For more information and directions, contact Port Royal State Historic Park at 931-358-9696.

The Trail of Tears Commemorative Day will lead off the Native Cultural Circle’s annual Inter-Tribal PowWow. The Port Royal site is the only remaining uncovered segment of the original trail in Tennessee.

October 11 and 12th. Mark your calendars. The second weekend of October is just around the corner. That means the Native Cultural Circle’s Inter-Tribal PowWow is here. Every year the group hosts the annual two-day powwow as a means of educating the general public about Tennessee’s native peoples traditions, culture and customs.

Clarksville is blessed, in that the powwow site has truly historic significance, because it is staged adjacent to last remaining uncovered segment of the Trail of Tears in Tennessee. The land is included in the Port Royal State Historic Park, where the quiet beauty of the area is well suited to the occasion.

This year’s PowWow will feature traditional songs and dance; host drum is the White Horse Singers, along with 18 vendors, a silent auction, and native grown organic popcorn. All drums and the general public are welcome.

Last year, a commemorative walk celebrated the National Parks Service designating the trail segment as an authentic Trail of Tears site. Over 100 native people turned out for the walk, many wearing native regalia. State and local government officials spoke at the observance acknowledging the solemnity of the occasion and its truthful place in American history. Park Ranger David Britton greeted Native American leaders and elders, exchanged flags and read a state proclamation. Representatives from the Tennessee Indian Commission and Montgomery County government also participated in the ceremony.

Port Royal Park Ranger David Britton

Park Ranger David Britton announced Wednesday that the National Parks Service has now designated Port Royal State Park as an official Trail of Tears Historic Park. For this year’s powwow celebration, on Saturday, October 11th, at 10 AM, there will be a re-enactment of the march through the town of Port Royal. There will also be re-enactments of 1830’s domestic skills and medicine. Visitors will be able to sample the foods the Native Americans were actually provided during their encampment. Additionally, guided historical tours throughout the park will be conducted and there will be exhibits on the Trail of Tears and the Town of Port Royal. When visitors have completed their tour of the park, they are encouraged to come over to the Inter-Tribal Powwow Grounds and continue their discovery of Tennessee’s Native peoples culture.

For more information on the Trail of Tears Commemorative Day, contact Port Royal State Park Office, 931-358-9696. The park office is located at 3300 Old Clarksville-Springfield Road.

Native Americans arrive at Port Royal (2007 Festival photo)

The Trail of Tears Commemorative Walk will again be part of the Clarksville Native Cultural Circle’s Inter-Tribal Pow Wow. The pow wow, held annually on the second weekend in October, takes place at compound grounds in Port Royal. Native American heritage, culture, traditions and music are acknowledged in this local cultural celebration. Young and old, native and non-native are all welcome at this Clarksville community event.

Final preparations are underway for the Pow Wow. This Native American culture and fellowship event offers the general public an opportunity for education about Native American heritage, culture, customs, music, traditions and history. Traditional regalia, music and dances celebrating that history and heritage are part and parcel to pow wows.

Like all festivals, vendors will offer refreshments. There will be food centered around Native American dietary customs. Also, vendors will offer authentic arts and crafts, as well as clothing, jewelry and artifacts for sale.

The NCC is an historical education non-profit organization and receives no government financial support for staging this event. All funding is the result of the group’s members seeking sponsors, donations and contributions, which are appreciated and tax deductible. Sponsor opportunities are available. Individuals, organizations and local businesses are encouraged to show their support for this local cultural celebration.

Proceeds from the Pow-Wow are used to purchase Native American textbooks which are donated to area school libraries. Submit email requests for sponsorship forms to: . All forms must be returned no later than September 20th.

NCC members meet with State Senator Rosalind Kurita. (l-r) Dr. James Cossingham-member; Virginia Moore-Secretary; Senator Kurita; Virginia Moore-Secretary, Doug Kirby-President. (Not shown- Turner McCullough Jr-member/photographer)

Visitors witnessed an exchange of flags, Cherokee for American; then all payed respects to each flag through the playing of “Colors” to raise the State and National flags and the playing of “Taps” while the Cherokee flag stood erect. It was a welcoming, honoring ceremony that is way overdue the Cherokee in our nation.Speakers, including Port Royal Conservation Worker, David Britton, and Tennessee State Park Resource Manager Jack Gilpin addressed the gathering.

Barely an eye was dry in remembrance of the sufferings of the Cherokee and other Indian nations during the Trail of Tears. Already integrated into white society, they were forced from their homes into the march that took 4,000 lives between Florida and Oklahoma.David Britton researched Trail of Tears history of the site and with the help of Dan Webber, State Parks Exhibit Engineer, put panels on display in the Port Royal museum. David Britton and Friends of Port Royal volunteer Don Bledsoe brought the Port Royal interpretive museum to display quality.The building on the Port Royal State Historic site is original from1858 and was an important piece of a once thriving town.

Volunteers Mark and Sylvia Britton were on hand to demonstrate cooking,candle making and medicine techniques typical of the 1830’s. Mark Britton displayed doctor’s tools of the early to mid 19th century and had many stories to tell of medicine used in those days.

Nearly two hundred visitors came through the park that day while the Pow Wow celebrated Indian culture nearby. This was an important event for the Tennessee State Park in presenting and preserving the history of the area. Port Royal SHA is located at 3300 Old Clarksville-Springfield Rd., Adams, TN.

The museum and displays will be open for viewing On October 20 and 27 from 8 a.m. to noon. For more information, contact David Britton, Conservation Worker at Port Royal State Historic Park at (931) 358-9696. All photos by Donald Horton.

The Britton family at their campsite.

Cherokee arrive at Port Royal

This tragic chapter in our nation’s history will include recognition ceremony and re-enactment of the Cherokee March in which Native Americans forced from their Georgia communities were forced to trek through Tennessee and Kentucky on their way to reservation lands in Oklahoma. Thousands died of bitter cold and lack of food on this harrowing winter journey, hence the evolution of the name “Trail of Tears.”

An exhibit related to that forced march, and to the Town of Port Royal (circa 1838) will be open to the public at 8 a.m. that morning.

The days’ activities include demonstrations of medicine and domestic chores of the 1830s, guided tours of the park, and refreshments. All activities close at 4:30 p.m. For more information, call the park at 931-358-9696.

The event, which attracted hundreds of visitors, is a celebration of Native American culture and of the Cherokee people who marched through this area, banished from the Georgia landscape that was their home and heritage.

Having spent part of the day Saturday at the Trail of Tears PowWow in Christian County, Clarksville Online Author Debbie Boen, a naturalist and artist, wrote:

“As I listened to the drumming and watched the the dances I felt grounded, connected to the earth.  There’s no way to intellectually explain why that it so, but it’s a feeling of going home, really going home. I looked around at all the different kinds of people visiting the PowWow and knew that they were feeling that way too (and they can’t explain it either).

“I bought Frybread there.   The Taco style gave me a huge piece of Frybread with hamburger, beans, cheese and more on top.  Frybread is also a great dessert, plain, sprinklied with just a bit of powdered sugar.

“I was also looking for a herbal remedy, female balance tea, the only thing I’ve found that solves hot flashes.  So I worked my way through vendors selling books, jewelry, clothing and tee shirts, bumper stickers, toys, drums, marvelous dreamcatchers and other ‘goodies” like the skunk skin I bought.

“Why buy a skunk skin? An Indian versed in knowledge about the animal kingdom would tell you that the furry little animal has a reputation that contains a great deal of power. Due to its distinctive behavior, humans give this tiny, smelly animal wide berth. The key word here is respect, as evidenced in this quote:

‘Skunk teaches me that by walking my talk and by respecting myself, I will create a position of strength and honored reputation.’

– Jamie Sams & David Carson, Medicine Cards

“There is an area in my life in which I am working on this kind of energy, and coincidentally, so is my family. I have been so attracted to the beauty and the colors of the skunk lately and we have seen three of them on our property.  I take that as receiving a message from skunk medicine.  After I saw the skunk pelt at PowWow, I walked around the entire place (it’s laid out in a circle) , and I returned to buy it, to remind myself of what skunk represents and what I can learn from it.

“Even if you aren’t looking for hot flash tea or a skunk pelt, there’s a lot to shop for, and to simply enjoy, at the PowWow.”

The PowWow is a way to recreate and revisit an earlier time and way of life in American history, a glimpse of a culture to which we owe so much. Here’s a bit of history that shaped today’s events:

In 1828, the Georgia Cherokee were a settled people, and had assimilated many European customs. They were farmers, ranchers, merchants, with their governance and systems in place. They had their own alphabet, “The Talking Leaves,” created by Sequoyah. But as the population of northern Georgia soared with new white settlers, many attracted by rumors of gold littered along the landscape, the Cherokee were slowly forced off their land.

The Indian Removal Act of 1830, signed into law by then President Andrew Jackson, was rejected on Supreme Court appeal. By 1838, the displacement of the Cherokee was well underway, culminating  with the forced march from Georgia through Tennessee and Kentucky to lands in Oklahoma, with an estimated 4,000 Cherokee souls lost along the way. Their culture was all but eradicated from the Georgia landscape at that time.

On this weekend, the heritage and culture of the Cherokee and all Native America people is honored and given new life and respect through the Trail of Tears festival, giving people of all ages a glimpse of history and the value of native culture.

Tribal dancing, storytelling, Indian arts and more filled the park grounds in Christian County, and a little bit of rain did nothing to dampen the spirits of those participating in this amazing event.

If you miss this weekend’s PowWow, there will be another in our area at Port Royal, on the weekend of October 12th.
http://www.trailoftears.org/

Sunday’s schedule is:

1 p.m. Grand Entry, Intertribal

Youth Contests children & adults, fancy/traditional costumes, shawl, jingle

2:15 p.m. Drum Contest

2:30 p.m. Storytelling by Grady Jones, costuming contests

4 p.m. Indian Flute Music with Tommy Wildcat

4:30 p.m. Intertribal contest/women & men, golden age

5 p.m. Intertribal

5:30 p.m. Hoop Dancer Daniel Tramper

6 p.m. Awards Presentation

6:30 p.m. Retire Colors

~~ PowWow photos by Debbie Boen~~