Today I attended the Mattaponi Powwow on the Mattaponi reservation in Virginia. This reservation is where my Grandpa grew up and was schooled. additionally, My Mom spent much of her childhood as her Grandfather and my great-grandfather were chiefs (Chief Custalow). Walking onto the reservation, one can see a small school building where Native children were once schooled.
my extended family and I served traditional Native food for the Powwow including succotash, fish, and fry bread. This was the first time the Mattaponi tribe had a Powwow in the last three years so it was a highly popular event with a never-ending line for food. At noon, the grand entrance of dancers began featuring both men and women dressed in elaborate costumes walking into a drumming circle and performing traditional dances. Costumes featured animal fur, feathers, face paint, and an array of colors.
drummers are central to the art culture of the Mattaponi and therefore the Powwow itself, so there was never a moment when the drums weren't playing.
After the grand entrance, there was a brief honoring of all veterans (Native and non-Native) and then, the dancing continued featuring competitions and spiritual dances lasting all throughout the day. This powwow is the only fundraiser the Mattaponi tribe hosts so it is crucial for the tribe that everything runs smoothly as the Mattaponi financially support themselves and their reservation. Around the dancing circle, there were booths set up housing jewelry, animal furs, and even a book written by my Grandfather titled "The True Story of Pocahontas." Overall it was an amazing experience to celebrate culture with such a large number of my family members and share our traditions with anyone else who attended.
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