Powwow in Sanbornton is a Labor Day tradition

SANBORNTON — Over the Labor Day Weekend, in a deep wood on the outskirts of Sanbornton, the sounds of drumming and chanting could be heard.

Approaching the sounds, one passed through a woodsy corridor filled with booths offering crafts, food and trading opportunities, all related to Native Americans.

The 48th annual Laconia Indian Historical Association Powwow was taking place.

Hundreds of people arrived, some to spend the day, others camping out in scattered spots throughout 90 acres of the Dulac Trust, created by Gerard Dulac to be used by native American/Indian cultures. Dulac is descended from Canadian First Nations people and has dedicated the area “because we owe them because of the harm we did to them. I try to do something to make up for it,” said Dulac.

Jodi Bell of Somersworth and her 8-year-old daughter Amber camped out for the weekend. “We try to do something fun and educational every month. We saw this online in Parenting NH and are loving it.” The Bells have strong Native American heritage, she said.

As the day went on, more people arrived, some strictly as spectators, others in full regalia of jingle dresses, leathers and avian wings, looking forward to the upcoming Grand Entry and drum session which allowed them to honor their forebears and dance their style. For some it was the crow hop while others performed a round dance. 

The Grand Entry took place in the Arena, a large circular area with chairs, covered over, all facing a large tree to which was attached a parachute which shadows the middle. Directly under that was the drum, a group who chant in native tongue and keep a rhythm on a large drum. It was a transfixing event that has existed in basically the same form for several hundred years.

The Laconia Powwow has been celebrated for 48 years in a very similar manner. Georgia Edwards of Laconia has been involved since the beginning and refers to it as “keeping alive a heritage”.

Stormy Sanders of Hampton comes every year. “I love it,” she said. She was joined by Jay Nickerson of Exeter. “I feel so relaxed,” Nickerson said. “No stress.” They were waiting for the “rest of the family, we’ll be camping until Monday morning,” she explained.

Richie Corson was spending the weekend camping. “This is so natural,” said Corson, vice-president of the LICA. “There is so much positive energy here for the Powwow.”

Gabrielle D’Errico and John Lukey came to the Powwow “to dance and and because it does my heart good,” said D'Errico, a Southborough, Massachusetts, resident. “This is one of the most welcoming places, native or not, it is like family.”

All ages were represented this weekend. Jolene Lundberg of Abenaki and Blackfoot heritage, said she has been “coming since I was a baby,” and brought along 7-week-old daughter Charlotte for her first experience. “It truly is family,” she added.

A popular spot was the stand serving Wajapi, a Native American berry dish, on fried dough. “Historically, after a meal, our ancestors needed something sweet for dessert so the women picked berries and mixed them with honey. We are keeping that tradition alive” explained chef Dorcas Janosbill of Franklin, who has been making the delicacy for 25 years.

In addition to the goal of the LIHA to “promote the sharing knowledge of Native American culture and traditions,” the Powwow is a fundraiser, with some of the proceeds go to help the needy in the Lakes Region.

Visit lihanh.org for more information.