Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base is hosting a Native American celebration tomorrow. The chefs in the Galley have a wonderful menu I can't wait to sample.

The Cherokee of Georgia will be doing a presentation after lunch. Hope to get some good pictures to share, and that more people are able to attend this year.

That sounds like fun. Would love to see your pictures, lcp.

We had a GREAT turn-out today at Kings Bay. I ran into some former tax clients who now work at the base. It was so good to see them. Lunch was awesome and included smoked salmon, Pueblo pork roast, pumpkin soup, Cherokee potatoes, roasted corn on the cob and corn bread. The weather was perfect, clear and sunny, but not too hot.

We had a drum, and a flute player, but no lodge set up. The tornado back in January shredded it. There were commanders in attendance, civilian employees, sailors and marines. We had several dances, some demonstration and a few inter-tribals. They called for a Ladies Choice Two Step and I grabbed my husband's Division Officer. My husband got quite a few "blackmail" pictures during that one.

I had some of the pictures from the 30th Anniversary Pow-wow in October and EVERYONE wants copies. I gave the CD to a tribal member who is compiling a photo history of the Tribal Grounds. The photos I had with me will be mailed to a tribal member serving in Afghanistan.

One of the best things - we'll be having Thanksgiving at the Tribal Grounds this year. The Chief told my husband to bring the camper and stay the weekend. YEAH!!!!!

Between now and then, I have to go through all my Pow-Wow pictures (12 years worth) to share with the historian. I'll try my best to get some posted here too.

What an awesome and wonderful time you had. I love to hear about your events and journeys and the food!

Wow! Twelve years of photos -- that will sure bring back some cherished memories.

I know it seems too early to even think about next spring -- but, one can never start soon enough if one is planning on attending the biggest PowWow in the nation.

GATHERING OF NATIONS

April 28, 29, 30, 2011 Albuquerque, New Mexico

Talked with my friend yesterday who is a Creek Elder. He called to invite us to the next Stomp down in Lake City, FL. The Stomp is hosted by the Rose Creek Band of Muskogee Creek Descendants.

We have participated in Stomp dances at St. George. There are many Creek and this dance follows the Arena dancing on Friday nights during Pow-Wow. It's different in many ways. With a fire in the center of the square, and no drum. The women wear rattles made of turtle shells around their ankles. It's an awesome sound. The dancers are segregated in the 4 shelters which make up the square, Elders, Men, Women and Children.

As with Arena dancing, there are many different dances. We have only experienced a few where anyone can join in. The songs we have heard are more like chants, with a leader and responses sung by the dancers.

We're excited about attending and thankfully our friend let me know of the attire requirements. For me, it's simply a skirt, and I'll have my mocs. My husband's ribbon shirt will work, but he needs a sash. Internet to my rescue! I have instructions and yarn to match. It's not wool yarn, but with only 2 weeks to learn AND complete a 6ft+ sash, I'll be using what I have.

The local Scout organizations in Northwestern North Carolina are holding their annual Indian Seminar the weekend of 21-23 January & I just mailed my registration. A full weekend of crafts & PowWows. Will be wearing the ribbon shirt with beaded decorations for the Grand Opening and Veterans' Dances.

The Stomp sounds like it would be a great experience. Waiting for the review.

My friend tells me this will be different from what we have experienced in GA. He grew up in OK and leads stomp dances himself. Will try to post on our adventure as soon as we return.

Have a great time in NC. We'll be at the Stomp that Saturday.

Sounds like finger-weaving 101 is in order... One craft class I haven't attended. I usually go to the bead & featherwork courses.