Powwow Memory

You have a masterful way of painting a rich and textured landscape in a few, powerful words.  Excellent work!

LunaGreyhawk, thank you from my heart. This powwow is forever in my soul. It has been over a decade since I've attended. But the camaraderie of these people is as fresh on my mind as yesterday. Glad you enjoyed my friend.

Xo
John

I have two really good (best friends) one who lives in Brooklyn, NY and has since 1998. I normally visit her every year but because of covid-19 it's been almost two. She introduced me to my second best friend, who lives in Hollywood FL (I'm in Tampa) and who I haven't seen in almost two years as well... my second friend is Seminole Native American. In fact, her lineage can be traced back to the tribe's origins. The Seminole Tribe is the only tribe that never signed a treaty with the US government. They also became extremely successful with their casino ventures in FL so much so that they bought the Hard Rock name back in 2006
(I think, 2006 ) for almost a billion dollars. Needless to say, her family line is only partially responsible for a lot of that success for the tribe. Despite that RIDICULOUSLY amazing success... I have never met nicer, more inclusive people then that of the tribe. I have been a guest at three or four powwows and they're incredibly fun, educational, spiritual and so moving. I share this long story because it's important to me that others see indigenous peoples as more than the little they might know..... to break stereotypes... and get people aware of the plight of numerous indigenous people....  

 I appreciate this poem and all that it conveys.
Terrifically penned, my friend  
🌹
Ty for sharing, John  

Warmest regards
-Susan  
xo

Susan, love hearing about your friend and that you have been to some powwows. Indeed so many native Americans have stories that are unknown to the rest of the country. Their success with casinos is amazing. But their struggle in the past should be more widely known. Your having this friend for so long shows the bonds that can develop between people of different cultures. In my experience, most Native Americans have assimilated. But even so, the powwows keep them connected with their history. Powwows are fun, educational, and moving. The people are very inclusive. I miss the powwows so incredibly much. Going there in March was my way of bringing in the Spring. Thank you my friend for sharing your connection with your Seminole friend. Your story is very important to me.

Xo
John

I completely agree that the past the trials, torture, deaths and all the suffering that the tribes have experienced should absolutely be taught,learned, revered and honored. I just find it awe inspiring that one tribe (and I know they're an anomaly) can become soooo successful, like they have. It's like karma is doing her thing.... (not making light, just observing!) I know that that particular tribe gives back to their community as well as to indigenous peoples throughout the country. There's always a reminder of where the tribe started, a tremendous sense of respecting the past and of the elders of who helped shaped the future. I love that.... it's powerful.

Thanks for listening!
🌹
xo

There are two tribes here in Louisiana that have been highly successful with their casinos. And both tribes have powwows to remember the past and provide fun and education for Indians and Non-Indians alike.  Thank you for sharing your friend's tribe's story of success. It is an inspiration that I loved to hear about.

Xo
John