Pros/Cons of the Meherrin Pow Wow

LSS · 10-25-2005, 10:44 PM

Well, as I've asked the Moderators of this forum to close thread where so many people have begun to vent on, I've started a new thread to help Lapis Queen out here.

For those of you who attended, please share your content, as well as your disgust. I am recommending that those who attended the pow wow to post. Especially those who were participants. And for those of you who did not attend, or participate and are disappointed just everyone else was, please voice your support of anything mentioned here.

pi wa

Smokin' Ace · 10-26-2005, 12:29 AM

I did not attend, but am proud of Lapis Queen in her attempt to represent her people in a positive manner. I think everyone understands that this was in no way her deal - but she has not shrunk down from the talk either. She has taken the talk and in a move to bring change, has also taken the heat to offer better communication. Way to go - the leadership she has shown here should be noted - hey - are you running for tribal office? lol - I know you are already a leader in my eyes.

2 more points: I heard the weather was very nice.
and : I am glad that my cousin Brian Lynch did well at his booth! lol

I totally agree with Taani that what happened to Wayshti was just wrong...no other way around it. That rule has got to be changed - I have seen many pow-wows suffer for the littlest thing - this one rule could really hurt the overall feel of the pow-wow. And that would be a disservice to people like Lapis Queen who works so hard to show that her family/tribe is about handling things in a good way.

Have a blessed night.

ndneyez · 10-26-2005, 02:15 PM

Let me just say that I agree with Smokin' Ace on this one. I do not think Lapis Queen is in any way responsible for the events that transpired at this pow-wow. I think she is going above and beyond her duty as a community member and head lady dancer to help make things right. Her actions in opening up the communication between her tribe and pow-wow goers is something to be commended.

I left a comment about some of the "behaviors" in the last thread. I thought pow-wows.com was a place in which we were free to voice our opinions. I understand that personal bashing and hatred has no place in a forum like this but to my recollection none of that was taking place. I think this whole thing is being blown way out of proportion. Closing the thread seemed a little drastic to me....but I am only one person!

Maybe I misunderstood the previous posts but I can personally say that nothing I posted was targeted directly at Lapis Queen. I can only speak for myself when I say that but my hopes are that she didn't take my post that way.

tigger · 10-26-2005, 03:42 PM

i don't agree that Wayshti should have been givin second place but hey it was stated in the rules (or so i hear). so that's what had to happen.

other then that i had a really good time. but the tent needs to be bigger. LOL

taani · 10-26-2005, 04:16 PM

I've been reading this thread and the original Meherrin PW thread and so.....

Yes, rules are rules BUT for someone to drive all the way from NYC to the pw and get 2nd place for being the only one in the contest?!?!?!? I would completely understand if the contest was filled with enough contestants and THEN Yahsti got 2nd place with a fair judged contest, he would have gotten 2nd place fair and square but this isn't the case. When you have such a drastic rule I think you should post them along with the pw flyer so that ppl know what to expect before even getting there.

Also, it's not Yahsti's fault that he was the only one who showed up in the adult category. Why should he be punished for that?

When things like this happen it makes me feel like the "tribe" only wants locals to go because there's not much $$ to be lost out-of-pocket.

I know that LQ didn't have anything to do with the rule decision. There is no blame on her, at all. If anything she's trying to help!!!!

P.S. - The Chief didn't help matters being rude to me over the phone and letting me know that Yahsti should have gone back (NYC). He also was sarcastic in saying that Yahsti was just there to contest....If you have a contest pw ppl ARE THERE to contest (for some, it's way of living). But of course, he had fun going to a NC pw and to spend time w/his kids....but once all this happened, the good feeling was shot to hell!

Lapis Queen · 10-27-2005, 08:35 AM

Hey guys and gals. I did not take anyone's comments personally. I just feel bad b/c of everything that happened. So no....I am cool (as far as I know) with everyone. Keep your comments coming.

It may sound stupid but I feel responsible (even though I am not) b/c I couldn't get them to see my point POV. And when I come up here or go places, I feel that this situation is a bad reflection on me b/c I represent the Meherrin Tribe. Guilty by association I guess. Even though that's not the way it is, I can't help feeling like I could have done more. So that's why I haven't been up here or very talkative. But everyone's right. This burden I can't shoulder and I feel like my plan is good one by taking what you say here back to them. As some people already know, it may not work. But I have to try.

I would like to take this a step further though. Even if you were not there, but you are a dancer/singer, please post your feelings as well. It is important for them to hear where the dancers and singers are coming from.

Thanks to everyone for the kind words. It has helped me get through all this more than you know and helped me to see where I stand with people. Again keep the comments coming.

LQ

Kiowa Boy · 10-27-2005, 04:24 PM

Okay, Lets see whats going on here? He he Okay folks Some things should never ever be that way this is what happens when ppl try to save or not give away. I was taught that when you put on a contest powwow, and you have rules there were a basic set of rules. Now days everything is changing, Like if you dont have more than 3 in a category you are added into the next one. Never heard of that till the last couple of years, It shouldn't matter if you have 1,2,or 3 if they are registetred in that category then they should get what ever place is shown 1,2,3. But now we have a rule that states if you only have one participant you will be paid 2nd place money, Never in my time of dancing or singing have I ever heard of that. These are the types of things that ruin Powwows for the future of others to go to, I know I may not of been their But In my view it is wrong. Makes me think glad I sure didn't come back this year, Maybe the proper thing to do is to pay this young man the remainder of what he is owed so everything will be right. You need to think about how far people dirve or travel to support dances like this. Alot of you know me, and to me this is completely wrong.

taani · 10-27-2005, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kiowa Boy

Okay, Lets see whats going on here? He he Okay folks Some things should never ever be that way this is what happens when ppl try to save or not give away. I was taught that when you put on a contest powwow, and you have rules there were a basic set of rules. Now days everything is changing, Like if you dont have more than 3 in a category you are added into the next one. Never heard of that till the last couple of years, It shouldn't matter if you have 1,2,or 3 if they are registetred in that category then they should get what ever place is shown 1,2,3. But now we have a rule that states if you only have one participant you will be paid 2nd place money, Never in my time of dancing or singing have I ever heard of that. These are the types of things that ruin Powwows for the future of others to go to, I know I may not of been their But In my view it is wrong. Makes me think glad I sure didn't come back this year, Maybe the proper thing to do is to pay this young man the remainder of what he is owed so everything will be right. You need to think about how far people dirve or travel to support dances like this. Alot of you know me, and to me this is completely wrong.

You tell em' Kiowa Boy!!!!LMAO just funny cause i can picture you say it as if you were right here tellin' me.

hobbs49 · 10-27-2005, 05:13 PM

So I was there all day and night saturday, but spectating, not singing nor dancing. And this was my first time at this dance. To be honest, I had a good time. From a facilities point of veiw, from a friends point of view, from a music point of view, from a dancer point of view, and from a vendor point of view; I really was pleased.

When I heard about this controversy on PW.com, I was surprised. Really on two counts. One, that there was such a rule and two that they actually enfoced it when I thought that Yahsti danced really hard Saturday night. I don't know if he missed points on GE or spot checks or not, but based on what I saw, he didn't participate with the attitude of "I'm the only one so I don't have to try."

One other thing that I'd like to note is that there was a prize money budget for the powwow. There were only two drums competing which left the 3rd place money ($400) remaining. Interesting enough, this is the same as the 1st place money in dancing. So even with the split of women's traditional as a new category, the budget was there to pay 1st place money for men's fancy *and* have the 1, 2, and 3rd place money for the new women's traditional. All without blowing the budget. The fact is that the committee saved $200.

I still think it was a good event, just with a stupid rule that was not intuitive to most people.

WhoMe · 10-27-2005, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by taani

You tell em' Kiowa Boy!!!!LMAO just funny cause i can picture you say it as if you were right here tellin' me.

taani,

I was thinkin' the exact same thing.

ABENEWA KWE · 10-27-2005, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kiowa Boy

Okay, Lets see whats going on here? He he Okay folks Some things should never ever be that way this is what happens when ppl try to save or not give away. I was taught that when you put on a contest powwow, and you have rules there were a basic set of rules. Now days everything is changing, Like if you dont have more than 3 in a category you are added into the next one. Never heard of that till the last couple of years, It shouldn't matter if you have 1,2,or 3 if they are registetred in that category then they should get what ever place is shown 1,2,3. But now we have a rule that states if you only have one participant you will be paid 2nd place money, Never in my time of dancing or singing have I ever heard of that. These are the types of things that ruin Powwows for the future of others to go to, I know I may not of been their But In my view it is wrong. Makes me think glad I sure didn't come back this year, Maybe the proper thing to do is to pay this young man the remainder of what he is owed so everything will be right. You need to think about how far people dirve or travel to support dances like this. Alot of you know me, and to me this is completely wrong.

I'M WITH YOU ON THAT ONE!

Smokin' Ace · 10-28-2005, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hobbs49

So I was there all day and night saturday, but spectating, not singing nor dancing. And this was my first time at this dance. To be honest, I had a good time. From a facilities point of veiw, from a friends point of view, from a music point of view, from a dancer point of view, and from a vendor point of view; I really was pleased.

When I heard about this controversy on PW.com, I was surprised. Really on two counts. One, that there was such a rule and two that they actually enfoced it when I thought that Yahsti danced really hard Saturday night. I don't know if he missed points on GE or spot checks or not, but based on what I saw, he didn't participate with the attitude of "I'm the only one so I don't have to try."

One other thing that I'd like to note is that there was a prize money budget for the powwow. There were only two drums competing which left the 3rd place money ($400) remaining. Interesting enough, this is the same as the 1st place money in dancing. So even with the split of women's traditional as a new category, the budget was there to pay 1st place money for men's fancy *and* have the 1, 2, and 3rd place money for the new women's traditional. All without blowing the budget. The fact is that the committee saved $200.

I still think it was a good event, just with a stupid rule that was not intuitive to most people.

and....

Originally Posted By: Kiowa Boy
Okay, Lets see whats going on here? He he Okay folks Some things should never ever be that way this is what happens when ppl try to save or not give away. I was taught that when you put on a contest powwow, and you have rules there were a basic set of rules. Now days everything is changing, Like if you dont have more than 3 in a category you are added into the next one. Never heard of that till the last couple of years, It shouldn't matter if you have 1,2,or 3 if they are registetred in that category then they should get what ever place is shown 1,2,3. But now we have a rule that states if you only have one participant you will be paid 2nd place money, Never in my time of dancing or singing have I ever heard of that. These are the types of things that ruin Powwows for the future of others to go to, I know I may not of been their But In my view it is wrong. Makes me think glad I sure didn't come back this year, Maybe the proper thing to do is to pay this young man the remainder of what he is owed so everything will be right. You need to think about how far people dirve or travel to support dances like this. Alot of you know me, and to me this is completely wrong.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It seems to me that the answer is clear - this situation could be satisfied by just following these two diff posters advice - pay Wayashti the rest of the money. Is it really worth the savings? To lose respect?

The Meherrin are good people, and the pow-wows that I have frequented have always been good - my hope is that this committee will satisfy a situation right now, that will not tarnish what years of work by the ones before them have worked so hard to obtain.

I pray that before too long - there will be resolution to this situation.

taani · 10-31-2005, 01:49 PM

LQ - when's the next meetin'?

10-25-2005, 10:44 PM	#1 (permalink)
LSS Sappling! Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 871	Pros/Cons of the Meherrin Pow Wow Well, as I've asked the Moderators of this forum to close thread where so many people have begun to vent on, I've started a new thread to help Lapis Queen out here. For those of you who attended, please share your content, as well as your disgust. I am recommending that those who attended the pow wow to post. Especially those who were participants. And for those of you who did not attend, or participate and are disappointed just everyone else was, please voice your support of anything mentioned here. pi wa __________________ To get a true picture of your purpose in life, you only get the whole picture when you listen with your mind, your ears and your heart. This way The Creator has a direct connection with you and only you...no outside interference. When you follow the will of IT that created you, understanding that your purpose is not for you...but for IT and all that IT has created, there can be no wrong except failure to be obedient. Only then do we jeopardize the gifts we are given. Its not the final destination that defines us, rather the journey taken!

10-26-2005, 12:29 AM	#2 (permalink)
Smokin' Ace Arena Director Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: United States Posts: 4,111	I did not attend, but am proud of Lapis Queen in her attempt to represent her people in a positive manner. I think everyone understands that this was in no way her deal - but she has not shrunk down from the talk either. She has taken the talk and in a move to bring change, has also taken the heat to offer better communication. Way to go - the leadership she has shown here should be noted - hey - are you running for tribal office? lol - I know you are already a leader in my eyes. 2 more points: I heard the weather was very nice. and : I am glad that my cousin Brian Lynch did well at his booth! lol I totally agree with Taani that what happened to Wayshti was just wrong...no other way around it. That rule has got to be changed - I have seen many pow-wows suffer for the littlest thing - this one rule could really hurt the overall feel of the pow-wow. And that would be a disservice to people like Lapis Queen who works so hard to show that her family/tribe is about handling things in a good way. Have a blessed night. __________________ Everything is gonna be alright! Be blessed - got love??? This b me..... www.myspace.com/akayo

10-26-2005, 02:15 PM	#3 (permalink)
ndneyez Teen Dancer Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Ojib territory Posts: 266	Let me just say that I agree with Smokin' Ace on this one. I do not think Lapis Queen is in any way responsible for the events that transpired at this pow-wow. I think she is going above and beyond her duty as a community member and head lady dancer to help make things right. Her actions in opening up the communication between her tribe and pow-wow goers is something to be commended. I left a comment about some of the "behaviors" in the last thread. I thought pow-wows.com was a place in which we were free to voice our opinions. I understand that personal bashing and hatred has no place in a forum like this but to my recollection none of that was taking place. I think this whole thing is being blown way out of proportion. Closing the thread seemed a little drastic to me....but I am only one person! Maybe I misunderstood the previous posts but I can personally say that nothing I posted was targeted directly at Lapis Queen. I can only speak for myself when I say that but my hopes are that she didn't take my post that way.

10-26-2005, 03:42 PM	#4 (permalink)
tigger Pow Wow Committee Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: powwows.com Posts: 6,182	i don't agree that Wayshti should have been givin second place but hey it was stated in the rules (or so i hear). so that's what had to happen. other then that i had a really good time. but the tent needs to be bigger. LOL

10-26-2005, 04:16 PM	#5 (permalink)
taani UNBELIEVEABLE! Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 323	I've been reading this thread and the original Meherrin PW thread and so..... Yes, rules are rules BUT for someone to drive all the way from NYC to the pw and get 2nd place for being the only one in the contest?!?!?!? I would completely understand if the contest was filled with enough contestants and THEN Yahsti got 2nd place with a fair judged contest, he would have gotten 2nd place fair and square but this isn't the case. When you have such a drastic rule I think you should post them along with the pw flyer so that ppl know what to expect before even getting there. Also, it's not Yahsti's fault that he was the only one who showed up in the adult category. Why should he be punished for that? When things like this happen it makes me feel like the "tribe" only wants locals to go because there's not much $$ to be lost out-of-pocket. I know that LQ didn't have anything to do with the rule decision. There is no blame on her, at all. If anything she's trying to help!!!! P.S. - The Chief didn't help matters being rude to me over the phone and letting me know that Yahsti should have gone back (NYC). He also was sarcastic in saying that Yahsti was just there to contest....If you have a contest pw ppl ARE THERE to contest (for some, it's way of living). But of course, he had fun going to a NC pw and to spend time w/his kids....but once all this happened, the good feeling was shot to hell!

10-27-2005, 08:35 AM	#6 (permalink)
Lapis Queen Junior Dancer Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Raleigh Posts: 154	Hey guys and gals. I did not take anyone's comments personally. I just feel bad b/c of everything that happened. So no....I am cool (as far as I know) with everyone. Keep your comments coming. It may sound stupid but I feel responsible (even though I am not) b/c I couldn't get them to see my point POV. And when I come up here or go places, I feel that this situation is a bad reflection on me b/c I represent the Meherrin Tribe. Guilty by association I guess. Even though that's not the way it is, I can't help feeling like I could have done more. So that's why I haven't been up here or very talkative. But everyone's right. This burden I can't shoulder and I feel like my plan is good one by taking what you say here back to them. As some people already know, it may not work. But I have to try. I would like to take this a step further though. Even if you were not there, but you are a dancer/singer, please post your feelings as well. It is important for them to hear where the dancers and singers are coming from. Thanks to everyone for the kind words. It has helped me get through all this more than you know and helped me to see where I stand with people. Again keep the comments coming. LQ

10-27-2005, 04:24 PM	#7 (permalink)
Kiowa Boy Tiny Tot Dancer Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: VA Posts: 38	Okay, Lets see whats going on here? He he Okay folks Some things should never ever be that way this is what happens when ppl try to save or not give away. I was taught that when you put on a contest powwow, and you have rules there were a basic set of rules. Now days everything is changing, Like if you dont have more than 3 in a category you are added into the next one. Never heard of that till the last couple of years, It shouldn't matter if you have 1,2,or 3 if they are registetred in that category then they should get what ever place is shown 1,2,3. But now we have a rule that states if you only have one participant you will be paid 2nd place money, Never in my time of dancing or singing have I ever heard of that. These are the types of things that ruin Powwows for the future of others to go to, I know I may not of been their But In my view it is wrong. Makes me think glad I sure didn't come back this year, Maybe the proper thing to do is to pay this young man the remainder of what he is owed so everything will be right. You need to think about how far people dirve or travel to support dances like this. Alot of you know me, and to me this is completely wrong.

10-27-2005, 05:13 PM	#9 (permalink)
hobbs49 Holy Indian Taco Batman! Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Triangle Area, NC Posts: 1,174	So I was there all day and night saturday, but spectating, not singing nor dancing. And this was my first time at this dance. To be honest, I had a good time. From a facilities point of veiw, from a friends point of view, from a music point of view, from a dancer point of view, and from a vendor point of view; I really was pleased. When I heard about this controversy on PW.com, I was surprised. Really on two counts. One, that there was such a rule and two that they actually enfoced it when I thought that Yahsti danced really hard Saturday night. I don't know if he missed points on GE or spot checks or not, but based on what I saw, he didn't participate with the attitude of "I'm the only one so I don't have to try." One other thing that I'd like to note is that there was a prize money budget for the powwow. There were only two drums competing which left the 3rd place money ($400) remaining. Interesting enough, this is the same as the 1st place money in dancing. So even with the split of women's traditional as a new category, the budget was there to pay 1st place money for men's fancy and have the 1, 2, and 3rd place money for the new women's traditional. All without blowing the budget. The fact is that the committee saved $200. I still think it was a good event, just with a stupid rule that was not intuitive to most people.

10-31-2005, 01:49 PM	#13 (permalink)
taani UNBELIEVEABLE! Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 323	LQ - when's the next meetin'?