By Carol Fisher-Linn
The 2024 Marvin Joe Curry Vetreans Powwow will take place this Saturday and Sunday, July 20 & 21 at the Seneca Allegany Resort and Casino Event Center.
Formally known as the Seneca Casino Veteran’s Powwow, it is an annual contest pow wow in honor of veterans. On their website we find this about Curry: “Joe was a member of the Seneca Nation’s Snipe Clan and was born on the Cattaraugus Territory. He was a member of the Iroquois Post #1587 and served in several positions with them. He started serving in the military in 1950 with serving two tours of duty during the Korean War and also served in the Vietnam War. During his active duty in the Navy, he served on eight warships, including the U.S.S. Little Rock. He retired in 1997. Throughout his career, he earned numerous honors.”
Three years before Curry retired the first Seneca Nation Pow Wow was held. Returning home, he became a driving force with his Post #1587 cohorts to keep the Pow Wow improving each year. I recall taking a grandchild in a stroller and a rambunctious toddler to a Pow Wow held on the grounds of Veteran’s Memorial Park twenty or so years ago. The event was all outdoors and the heat (or rain) sometimes got the best of the dancers and the spectators. We stood to watch, sometimes having to look over taller individuals or around them. The best seats in the house probably were those of toddlers on their parents or grandparents’ shoulders. Of course, elders and handicapped had preferred seating. This year things will be different … and much better. What remains is that this Pow Wow is one of the largest celebrations of its kind in the northeast.
The dancing competitions will be held indoors at the Seneca Allegany Resort and Casino Event Center. It seems the hot turf at Veteran’s Park burned the dancers’ feet. Bleachers are being added to accommodate all onlookers, and of course veterans, handicapped and elders will have special seating. Golf carts will be on a roll both days during the events taking those individuals from their cars and back. All veterans are officially honored both days at 11am. If you are a vet, wear something to signify your status and be there in time to be honored with all natives and attendees.
The 2024 Smoke Dance Judge for this year’s powwow, Aryien Stevens, has contributed her artistic skills to help create the beadwork on a dress that actress Lily Gladstone’s wore to the Oscar’s for her nomination for Best Actress in Martin Scorsese’s film Killers of the Flower Moon (2023). In being nominated Gladstone shared her spotlight with indigenous artists and designers. When you go to the Pow Wow seek out this talented craftswoman in the Cultural tent. To read the full article check out this link to Vogue Magazine: https://www.vogue.com/…/lily-gladstone-oscars-dress…
Stevens represents the caliber of the artists and vendors you will find in the Cultural tent, sponsored by The Onohsagwe:de’ Cultural Center. It is suggested by the promoters that visitors make their first stop at the tent to learn about the various cultures and arts represented there. There will be artisans from across North America, or as they say, The Turtle. (To the indigenous, Turtle Island is North America.) Only the most talented award-winning artists are chosen for the Pow Wow where carving, beadwork, metalwork, basket making and other native crafts will be exhibited. Stop, look, admire, ask questions, and familiarize yourself with their ways, their appreciation for beauty and their love of Mother Earth.
Then, follow the drums and find your place to watch the spectacle of grace, color, and dexterity. Listen for the music of the Jingle Dress which has a sweet story to match its sweet sound. Here’s the story: an indigenous medicine man had a granddaughter who fell very sick. Spirit guides told him to create a Jingle Dress and have her dance in it to be healed. He did as commanded. Unable to dance on her own at first, she was supported by others but soon found she could dance on her own. The tribe was present when this took place and the story goes that she was healed. The Jingle Dance gets its name from the metal cones sewn in rows which makes their recognizable sound when the dancers move. The dance remains one of healing but it is also an expression of pride in their way of life.
For a sneak peek at the weekend events, arrive on Friday night at the events center (777 Allegany Casino Blvd.) at 6pm for two hours of Iroquois Social Dancing and songs (free). You will find food and craft vendors to give you a taste for the weekend. For further information go to SenecaPowWow.org.
Gates open at 10am both days: Grand Entries taking place at 1pm Saturday and noon Sunday.