The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians will host its Fourth of July Powwow at the Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds July 1-2 in Cherokee. This inter-tribal gathering features native dance and drum competitions. Groups will compete for prize money in categories such as traditional, golden age, jingle, grass and fancy, in youth, teen and adult age groups.

The annual event will also feature arts and crafts vendors with handmade jewelry, clothing, crafts and artwork produced by tribal members from around the U.S. and Canada. Powwows are not part of the Cherokee tradition but have become popular as social gatherings among many Native American tribes across the U.S. and Canada. The name “powwow” was derived either from the Narragansett word “powwaw,” meaning “shaman,” or the Algonquian term “pau-wau” or “pauau,” which referred to a gathering of medicine men and spiritual leaders among various Plains Indian tribes.

The origins of the powwow are cloaked in mystery, but some accounts suggest the first ceremonies were held 400 years ago by the Omaha tribe in the Dakotas. The tradition later spread through Oklahoma, where various warrior societies adopted war dances to commemorate bravery and victory in battle. Modern powwows began as far back at the 1890s in Montana, though records are sketchy because the federal government outlawed Native American ceremonies and assemblies.

Powwows grew in popularity among Native tribes in the 1950’s and again in the 1980’s and 1990’s as celebrations of Native values and identity. Today, powwows are often called to commemorate special occasions and may last anywhere from one day to one week.

Daily admission to the Fourth of July Powwow is $10. Children 6 and under get in free. Hours of the powwow are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. The Fair Grounds are located at the intersection of U.S. 441 and Tsali Boulevard in Cherokee. For information, contact the Cherokee Welcome Center at 800.438.1601, or visit www.cherokee-nc.com.