8th Annual Putnam County Daniel Nimham Intertribal Pow Wow Draws Crowds

Dancers at the Pow Wow demonstrate cultural traditions of dance American History was in full relief last weekend, set to the rhythmic call of native drums. Thanks to the forbearance of the rain gods, the annual Daniel Nimham Intertribal Pow Wow was well attended. Thousands came out to the Putnam County Veterans Memorial Park over the weekend for a chance to participate in the rich cultural tradition of Native Americans.

Some, of Native American descent, came to honor their heritage or to introduce their children to it.

Eddie Redfox, an Air Force veteran from Pennsylvania with Mohawk and Abanaki blood brought his two sons, 8-year-old Nicholas (aka Little Thunder) and 14-month-old David (aka Turtle Boy). He said it was imperative for his children to learn about their heritage. "This Pow Wow, it's like a family reunion," said Redfox. "The drums, the vendors, everybody connects."

Others, not necessarily of native lineage, were lured by the spiritual aspect of the native culture, which emphasizes respect for the land and all living creatures and honors warriors and women.

Native American tribes had a special reverence for women, explained Gill Crying Hawk Tarbox, the Master of Ceremonies. "They were the givers of life and were the only ones who could take life away. That is why before they went to war they had to go to the clan mothers to see if it was ok. Please honor our women; they are the closest thing to Mother Earth."

This matriarchal aspect of the culture appealed to Woman Bear Spirit aka Roseanne Cardello, who long ago attended a Pow Wow and was lured into the Native American life by "the drum, the love of dance, the way [she] felt, what they believe in." Sicilian by birth, she has been adopted by two tribes of the Cherokee Nation and now travels as a craft vendor and dancer to festivals around the country.

"Cherokee is a matriarchal society," she said. "The chief is the head of the Nation, but I have the last say."

Many just came to spend the day listening to the drums and singing and watching the spirited dancers in full feathered regalia perform traditional circle dances.

A Birds of Prey demonstration educated people on the important place these birds have in our ecosystem. There was also a rare visit by Atka the ambassador Arctic Gray Wolf from the Wolf Conservation Center in South Salem, NY.

The festival, with its tents lined with colorful strung beads, dream catchers and feathered finery, is especially popular with children, no matter what lineage.

"We go to Pow Wows mostly every single year," said 10-year-old Skye Murales of Wappingers Falls, who came with her girlfriend Jillian, 8.

"They have a good time," said Skye's grandfather Pete Murales.

This particular Pow Wow, which was conceived to raise funds to build a memorial to Chief Daniel Nimham, a Wappinger Indian Chief and Revolutionary War hero, offered Putnam residents ample opportunity to learn not only native culture, but also about Revolutionary War history.

Local history author Vincent T. Dacquino, whose latest book tells the story of Sybil Ludington, Putnam's own version of Paul Revere, was on hand to teach about this fascinating and overlooked Revolutionary War heroine.

Veterans groups were also among the honored. Many of the natives in attendance are also counted among America's war veterans. Booths were set up to reach out to veterans with information about services available to them. In addition, donations were accepted for a veterans' food bank.

This event is made possible each year by the Daniel Nimham Mountain Singers, who coordinate the festival and are the host drum and singers. This year's event was sponsored by the Putnam County Visitors Bureau, George Whipple III, Michael Spain, Champion Supplies, Inc., the Carmel Diner, Hannafords Supermarket, and the Arthur Avenue Deli.

Tarbox said that the memorial, which includes 12 stones to honor the 11 tribes of the Hudson Valley, and one to honor Native American Veterans, was 80% complete. The money raised at this year's festival would pay for two small statues of Nimham to be placed at the park.

Asked whether the Pow Wow would continue after the memorials are completed, Tarbox said it was up to the public and whether he can continue to get sponsors to cover the cost of the event.