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Simply put, a Pow Wow is a gathering of American Indians who come to dance, celebrate, pray, laugh, and socialize. But for each person, the meaning of the Pow Wow, and their place in the ceremony, can only be defined by themselves.

This fall, journey to Nashville, Tennessee, for an event you will always remember – a three-day festival offering you the opportunity to personally experience the culture and spirit of the American Indian people. The Tennessee Indian Education Pow Wow attracts people from all over the state of Tennessee. Each October, Indians from around the Nation gather to share part of their culture. This spirited event is not just for the reunion of family and friends, but for anyone who would like to witness the spectacle and join in the celebration of the culture that is nurtured by more than 40,000 Indians who call Tennessee home today.

You will want to treat yourself to the delights of traditional native food, such as fry bread, Indian tacos, and hominy made the “Indian way.”

Long Hunter State Park has kindly allowed us to use their facilities, so convenient parking will be available. Seating will also be provided, but you are more than welcome to bring along your own lawn chairs.

Come by and enjoy our weekend of festivities in October, a month designated as “Native American Indian Month,” by Bill Lee, Governor of Tennessee, and John Cooper, Mayor of Nashville.

  • NATIVE AMERICAN ARTS & CRAFTS
  • PAINTINGS
  • INDIAN JEWELRY
  • POTTERY
  • PICTURES
  • CLOTHING
  • MUSIC
  • HOOP DANCING
  • INTER-TRIBAL DANCING
  • STORYTELLING
  • INDIAN GAMES
  • DEMONSTRATIONS
  • NATIVE AMERICAN FOOD
  • INDIAN TACOS
  • CHILI
  • HOMINY
  • FRY BREAD

Dates

FRIDAY • October 18, 2024
SATURDAY • October 19, 2024
SUNDAY • October 20, 2024

Admission

(CASH ONLY -GATES OPEN AT 9AM)
$8 Adult
$4 Senior Citizen (65+)
$4 Children ages 6 – 12
Free for children age 5 & under
Free for persons with disabilities

Location

LONG HUNTER STATE PARK
2910 Hobson Pike, Nashville TN 37076
(east of Nashville, south of Mt Juliet)

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT GATE

2024 Schedule

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18

  • Gates Open at 9 AM
  • School day – (Free for students & seniors)

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19

  • Gates Open at 9 AM
  • Opening Ceremony – 11 AM

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20

  • Gates Open at 9 AM until 5 PM
  • Opening Ceremony – 11 AM
Directions
  • From I-24: Take Exit 62 North, Old Hickory Boulevard. Follow signs north to the Pow Wow.
  • From I-40: Take Exit 226-A, Mount Juliet Road South. Follow signs south to the Pow Wow.
Hotel Information

These hotels are approximately 5-8 miles from the Pow Wow grounds:

Econolodge Inn & Suites (HOST HOTEL) • 615-793-3600 • Exit 64 off I-24 East
Ramada • 615-793-9100 • Exit 64 off I-24 East
Quality Inn & Suites •  615-793-9999 • Exit 64 off I-24 East

Parking / Camping

Free parking is adjacent to Pow Wow grounds.

Primitive camping is available at the Pow Wow grounds. There are no hook-ups and no shower. Contact Bill Wells at arrival for set-up.

Master of Ceremonies
Tim TallChief
Tim TallChief
Arena Director
Bill Takes-Horse
Bill Takes-Horse
Host Southern Drum
Otter Trail Singers
Otter Trail
Host Northern Drum
Medicine Tail Singers
Medicine Tail
Dancers

Register by NOON Saturday, October 19, 2024.
Native Americans ONLY
Entry fee for dancers: $8


NOTE: All categories require appropriate regalia. Regalia must be complete.

Contact Bill Wells (615) 656-1843.

Native American crafts only.

Pre-register by October 1, 2024 for booth space.

Sponsors

Funded in part by a grant from SouthArts, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts.

Metro Arts
National Endowment for the Arts
Nissan Foundation
Regions Bank
South Arts
Tennessee Arts Commission
Made in Tennessee

We are forever grateful to Debby Neely, Wade Payne, Aubrey Watson, Rachel Deeb and a myriad of other gifted photographers who have given unselfishly of their time and talent to capture textures, colors, and pageantry of our Pow Wows through the years.

Pow Wow Etiquette and Tips

Pow Wow is a fun event, but also a sacred event. Ceremonial songs and dances will be performed.  For our patrons, we ask you to consider the following to make the Pow Wow an enjoyable experience for all.

  • Honor and Respect the Pow Wow. Pow Wow is a sacred event. Ceremonial songs and dances will be performed.
  • Respect the Elders. Please do not talk while they are speaking on the public address system.
  • Dress Appropriately. Revealing clothing is considered disrespectful.
  • Listen to the Emcee. He keeps the singers, dancers, and general public informed of what is happening.
  • Do Not Touch the Dancers or Their Regalia. The ornaments and dress are considered sacred objects and/or family heirlooms.
  • Ask Permission Before Taking a Photo or Recording. Do not enter the dance arena for a photo. Refrain from taking photographs of young children who are not your family members.
  • Respect the Flag Song. The Flag Song or Indian National Anthem is sung when the American Flag is raised or lowered. Please stand and remove hats during the singing of this song.
  • Seating Around the Dancing Circle is Reserved for drummers, singers, and dancers.
  • When a blanket dance is announced, donations collected will be given to the person or drum group being honored.
  • Bleachers are provided, but you are welcome to bring your own chairs.

If you have any questions, the Emcee, Arena Director, dancers, elders or staff are happy to help.

Most of all, enjoy yourself.

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