By Rodney Richey
The Herald Bulletin
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ANDERSON — For the seventh year, those who occupy the lands of Chief Kikthawenund will celebrate his heritage during the Andersontown Powwow and Indian Market, which opens Saturday at Athletic Park.
Among the guests at this year’s event will be David Thomas Murphy, chairman of the history department at Anderson University and author of the recently released “Murder in Their Hearts,” an account of the 1924 Fall Creek Massacre.
New this year among the storytellers will be Arizona-based Marvin Redeye, an actor and storyteller who is also, interestingly, a silversmith. Redeye reportedly appeared in 1990’s “Dances With Wolves.” Redeye’s appearance is part of changes at the event, said co-chair Debbie Webb.
Redeye and familiar storyteller Michael Pace will be featured in special story times.
“We’re offering the opportunity to feature and showcase our storytellers more,” Webb said. “Michael and Marvin will be entertaining children, young and old alike, with some of their stories.”
Webb said that those familiar with Pace’s style know that he is “very gifted in really getting you hanging onto every word, then catching you with an unexpected ending.”
Also enjoying some spotlight this year will be Jessica Diemer Eaton, who demonstrates routines and rituals of Native American life.
“This will be the third year she’s been with us,” Webb said. “We’ve pulled out three different sessions in which she will talking about Woodland Indians, then a Delaware foods presentation, and also a maple sugaring demonstration.
“There will even be a chance for people to do a little tasting as well.”
Visitors will also be able to learn how some of the most common games and sports Americans enjoy were gifts from their predecessors.
“These are games that some of us don’t think about as being Native American games, like hacky-sack, handball and lacrosse,” Webb said. “They’re things we’ve embraced from the native tribes that called Indiana home.”
Webb said that one aspect that received close attention was the popularity of the educational and cultural side.
“This is not a festival atmosphere,” Webb said. “This is one where you can actually come in and participate. It gives you a chance to live history.”
Also back from previous years will be the Anderson Center for the Arts helping children to create crafts. Bead artist Katrina Mitten, who is returning to the powwow, is scheduled to spend a day with art students at Anderson High School.
The powwow has gained in reputation and popularity each year since it began, and Webb attributed that to the dense schedule and variety of attractions, including dancing, tomahawk throwing, bird of prey performances and the pageantry of the ceremonies themselves.
“You get quite a jam-packed day for only $5,” Webb said. “You can come spend the day with us, and if you want to leave for an hour and come back to catch the evening events, you can do that.
“What we’re hearing is that it’s a chance for families to spend time together, to laugh and learn, at a great price.”
Contact Rodney Richey, 640-4861, rodney.richey@heraldbulletin.com.
