Nansemond Tribes POW-WOW

This sign announces the gathering of people for the Nansemond Tribal Pow-Wow which is held north of Suffolk VA each year in Late Summer or Early Fall. Chief Barry "Big Buck" Bass greets all attendees graciously.

I have been going to this Pow-Wow for the since 1997. I have gotten my brother, Lonny R. "Bob" Bass to attend with me since 1999.

The Nansemond Tribal Association's Pow-Wow feels much more like attending a Family Reunion than a Fundraiser. BTW, the Nansemond Tribal Association does not charge an admission fee for attending the Pow-Wow they put on for the people.

Everyone seems to have a good time at these Pow-Wows, and there is a lot of education that takes place during the event.

This page is a work in process and I will be adding a number of photos in the near future.

2000

Chief Barry "Big Buck" Bass: Barry was assistant Chief when I first met him, and his grandfather, Earl "Running Deer" Bass was Chief. Here he is ready for the Grand Procession honoring and opening the dancing circle for the the year 2000 Nansemond Tribal Association Pow-Wow.

Betty Bass: This is Betty Bass, Chief Barry's wife, and Sandy Alexander, an Associate Member of the Nansemond Tribal Association. Betty is dressed in black here.

Grand Procession: Each year the Dance begins with the Grand Procession. The Grand Processions honors and opens the Dance Circle. The Circle is consecrated so it is a spiritual affirmation of tribal life. The Grand Procession is a chance for the people attending the Pow-Wow to pay respect to all of the Dignitaries and Fancy Dancers of the Pow-Wow.

The Eagle Staff: The Sacred Hoop precedes everything in the Dance Circle and at the end of the Grand Procession it is installed in the center of the Dance Circle to reminds that this is a Spiritual Event. The Nansemond Tribal Association borrows this from John Blackfeather, the MC for the events at the Dance Circle.

Veteran's Dance: American Indians, and especially the Nansemond Tribal Association, always honor the Veterans/Warriors of all nations/genders/eras by offering a Veteran's Dance so that the Veterans attending the POW-WOW might join in a Dance around the Dance Circle and be saluted by all of the Chiefs and Fancy Dancers. I have no picture of this as I am a participant. If you are a Veteran and have never participated in a Veteran's Dance, I can just say, "Do It; you'll never get over it."

The MC - The MC is John Blackfeather, a very special person who comes each year to honor those attending the POW-WOW. He is really important to the overall POW-WOW.. He makes announcements, tells jokes, offers explanations of dances, introduces songs, and performs many other activities for the POW-WOW.

Drummers - These musicians honor the Great Spirit by offering their talents to the Circle for the Fancy Dancers and others to dance by. I have placed all three groups of drummers on the LINKED Page as they all did a beautiful job of drumming. Drummers - Group 2 and Drummers Group 3.

Fancy Dancer: I will show several Fancy Dancers both in and out of the Dance Circle. I wish I could honor them all as they all work hard to show their respect for the Great Spirit and the people. Here are Fancy Dancer #2, Fancy Dancer #3, Fancy Dancer #4, Fancy Dancer #5, Fancy Dancer #6, Fancy Dancer #7, Fancy Dancer #8, and Fancy Dancer #9. Here is a short Video of Fancy Dancing; that is the drummers in the background.

Family Activity - Fancy Dancing can be a family activity, and many American Indian families practice Traditional Dancing together.

Fred and Sandy - Fred Thompson and Sandy Alexander in full regalia. Fred has on a Buffalo Headdress which he had specially made for himself.

Helen Rountree - Helen Rountree, a professor at Old Dominion, has written several books about the Powhatan Culture and History. The Nansemond Tribe is referenced in these books as it is a part of the Powhatan Chiefdom, Pocahontas' People.

Smudging _ My brother, Lonny R. "Bob" Bass, is being smudged by a friend of the Nansemonds who demonstrates various traditional activities for attendees of the POW-WOW. Smudging is a cleansing ritual performed by "bathing" the body in smoke from a smoldering bundle of Sage, or Sage-and-Juniper. This is frequently done before participating in other American Indian rituals. Here is a Video of my brother being Smudged.