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Powwow Keeps Traditions Alive | Photo Gallery

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By MIKE WELLS, The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 18, 2007

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TAMPA - Storytelling, music and dancing are just a few of the traditions American Indian tribes have put on display and celebrated this weekend at the Florida State Fairgrounds.

An estimated 5,000 visitors turned out Saturday for the Discover Native America Powwow and Music Festival. Visitors shopped at vendor stands, watched dancing contests and listened to tribal history stories.

The event, which began Friday and runs through today, was organized by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. It was last held in 2001 at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, spokesman Frank Moore Jr. said. It began as a traveling production, with festivals held in Orlando and Jacksonville.

Powwows bring American Indians together to showcase traditions, renew friendships and preserve their heritage.

"Powwow is like a celebration of life," Moore said. "We're sharing our culture, our traditional stuff, our social stuff."

Moore said festival organizers and performers work to ensure that everything is accurately represented in a historical context.

More than 100 tribes were represented in dance categories, competing for more than $100,000 in prizes. Drummers competed for $30,000 in prizes.

Among the dozens of vendors selling jewelry, beaded clothing and artwork was Fort Myers resident Michael Spirithawk. He was selling traditional American Indian artwork, jewelry and clothing from his business, Hawk's Nest.

"It's a good day. It's crowded," Spirithawk said of the festival.

Reporter Mike Wells can be reached at (813) 259-7839 or mwells@tampatrib .com.

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