I was able to attend the Ontelaunee Park Intertribal PowWow for both days. Saturday was a busy day. It was a beautiful heartfelt ceremony. It was powerful to see the different dancers, drummers, and all of the beautiful items they had for sale. The Gray Cloud singers were there as the host drummers. The Good Egg food truck and a catering place that had amazing street corn and empanadas was also in attendance for Saturday, and Sunday. The food was great.

I saw a few friends, I walked around and spoke with vendors. I met the legendary Barry Lee. I saw his art work and it’s stunning. He is so talented.

They were open from 10 to 5 on Saturday and Sunday. Some of the vendors stayed longer. It wasn’t completely raining on Saturday but a light drizzle showed up. Mother Nature knows what is needed. I explored some of the park and it’s beautiful.  There is a trail to walk, several spots to sit, and beautiful trees and flowers surrounding the park. They also pay tribute to all of the veterans. The Military including the NAVY, ARMY, Air Force, Marines, and the Coast Guard.

On Sunday it was a beautiful day. The sun was shining. It was warm, and people were excited to be out. Once again, I was able to stop for a little bit. I saw some of my friends again and I was able to briefly talk with the owner of Hawkeye’s Nest, Val Kobrin, Isabella Raven, the owner of Raven’s Curiosities. She makes beautiful handmade Nature inspired jewelry. This event focused on the community,  especially the elders. They respect the people who came before them. The younger people were stepping aside for the elders, and when they did the flag retiring ceremony, every single person that could stand, stood and paid respect.

Spotted Fawn Trading makes wooden items, and hand embroidered shirts. There were so many great vendors there. So many talented people working hard. Diane Hummingbird Larkin put the Ontelaunee Park Intertribal PowWow together. She did an incredible job. The dancing and drumming is so powerful. You feel it deep in the marrow of your bones. It touches your soul. I want to say thank you to my beautiful friend Mekwen. Also, Chris Bogden for always supporting people and encouring us in life. I was able to take part in one of the Intertribal dances. It meant a lot to stand beside these incredible souls, and dance, pay respect, and take in all of the beauty in the park.

Chris Hunsicker also played the flute, and paid tribute to the Native Americans and the Military, and more.

Barry Lee asked everyone on Sunday during the retiring of the veteran flags and the flags to represent the first responders, police, and Fire departments to not take any photos. It was such a heartfelt ceremony. He asked Veterans to gather the flags and a ceremony was performed to pay respect to the veterans. It was quite an emotional experience.  A huge thank you to the Veterans, the police, the Fire fighters, first responders, and those who have given their lives. This ceremony was powerful. People completely focused all of their attention to this ceremony, and listened to Barry’s words. The sound of the singers and drummers leading these Veterans to “Victory” as Barry proclaimed with a heartfelt bow of his head.

This ceremony was beautiful,  and a reminder to take care of the earth, talk to mother nature and the creatures we share the earth with. Take care of one another. If you get a chance, keep an eye out for next year, and several other incredible PowWow’s around Pennsylvania,  and across the country. Thank you for hosting this beautiful event. We can’t wait for next year.

A Complete List of The Vendors

Native American jewelry etc. – jewelry and crystals

Shadow wolf beadwork and flute

Woodland Way- books leather items and jewelry

Dukes knives

Spotted fawn trading -beaded belts, embroidered shirts, kids items

Ravens Moon – One of a kind dream catchers

Ravens curiosities – handmade leather and jewelry items

Kichwas Arts – South American handmade items.

Val Kobrin flutes

Stoney Boys- beadwork, jewelry, artwork, regalia,  souvenirs

Wolfs head enterprises – buckskin bags, earrings, brooches, etc.

George Ulloa – native clothing

Eyes of the Moon – native crafts

Lisa Dixon – native clothing and accessories

Lelana Buckwalter – teaching table with furs, artifacts, basket making etc.

Bear – teaching Tepee