Paul G

Only 100 of the 400 elementary school children who were scheduled to take part in the mini powwow, a precursor to the weekend-long powwow at the Porterville Fairgrounds, showed up for the festivities. But despite the showing, things went as planned and the kids had a good time. It was also "very informative," according to mini powwow coordinator Novalie McDarment.

Four areas were set up for the children to circulate through from 10 a.m. until about 11:30 a.m., including a storytelling station.
Ooh-Shook McDarment, 7, dances Friday morning at the Porterville Fairgrounds where the Tule River Indian Reservation will host a powwow this weekend. (Recorder photo by John Tipton)


"I like this part. We like to hear stories and it's nice to sit down," said Juan Garcia, 8, feigning exhaustion.

At one station the children were shown how, and with what, baskets are made. Also, photographs of rocks on the Tule River Indian Reservation, painted by Native American ancestors more than 100 years earlier, were brought in for the children to see.

As always, the dancing was the highlight of the event, accompanied by the famous Native American drumming.

"We had kids come in and dance for them, which they really enjoy," said Wendi Correa, a powwow committee member.

When the festivities concluded, children received packets of what they had learned during the sessions and free passes to the weekend's powwow, if accompanied by an adult.

"It was really just a glimpse of what they are going to see this weekend," McDarment said. "They got a little bit of education on the tribe."

http://myopr.com/articles/2005/09/24...tate/news1.txt

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