By Roslyn Ryan
Editor

For the second year in a row, Powhatan will play host to an authentic Native American pauwau.

This year’s celebration, featuring Native American food, crafts and dancing, will be held on Oct. 11 at the Powhatan Rescue Squad Grounds, 3920 Marion Harland Lane.

“We have the most wonderful group of people this year,” said organizer Katrina Blankenship, who will once again host the Pauwau with her husband Curtis.

The Blankenships are both of Native American decent, and say they hope the event helps shed light on the tremendous contributions of Native Americans.

“We cannot erase history,” they write on their website, www.pauwau.com. “[But] we can learn from history and give honor, thanks and respect where it is due.”

This year’s event will feature nationally renowned Native American dancers Keith Anderson and Phyllis Campbell, as well as performances by the Red Crooked Sky Dance Troupe and Falling Water

Blankenship says they expect over 40 tribes to be represented.

The day before the Oct. 11 ceremonies, Blankenship said they are expecting over 600 children from surrounding counties to attend a special School Day event, featuring special exhibits just for kids.

In addition to various cultural displays, ARK, the local wildlife rehabilitation group, will be conducting programs featuring local birds, including a Red-tailed Hawk.

The theme this year is “On Eagles Wings,” said Blankenship, and was chosen in honor of the bird’s power and grace

Admission to the event is $10 (children 5 and under are free), and gates will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Grand Entrance will take place at noon.

For more information on this year’s pauwau, visit www.pauwau.com.