Ft. Independence Tribe brings back tradition

March 14, 2012

The traditional regalia, music, songs and way of life of Native Americans will be celebrated this year as the Fort Independence Tribe hosts its first pow wow in nearly 30 years. Photo by Darcy Ellis

For the first time in nearly 30 years, the Fort Independence Paiute Tribe will be hosting its own Native American Pow Wow.
Scheduled for September, the revived event will feature traditional dance contests for adults and kids, drum groups, interpretive displays, singing, food and more.
“Pow Wow is a wonderful way to present our cultural heritage to our own Native American community and to our Eastern Sierra neighbors and visitors,” Tribal Historical Preservation Officer Priscilla Naylor said. “Pow Wow provides an opportunity to share our historic customs and traditions. It is an important tool to help keep our ancestral past alive.”
The pow wow will be held Sept. 20-22 on tribal grounds located about two miles north of the town of Independence on U.S. 395.
The Fort Independence Paiute Tribe has about 140 members and is one of the oldest recognized tribes in the Owens Valley.
According to a spokesperson, the tribe operates a convenience store, RV park, truck stop and casino outside of Independence, providing about 20 jobs for the communities of Southern Inyo.
For more information about the Pow Wow, participating as a dancer or obtaining a vendor space, e-mail Dwoodruff@fortindependence.com.