The family unit among the Native American people is valued and protected through the powwow traditions and their individual cultures. The Sac and Fox welcome visitors to this Pow Wow and there is a variety of food vendors, artists, and vendors selling everything from t-shirts to fine jewelry at good prices.

This year, I made friends with a boy named Tim Washee who is from Talequah, Oklahoma and is 11 years old. When I arrived at the grounds and began to set up my tent he came from 'next door' and asked if he could help me. As we unfolded the screen house and started lining up all the numbered poles I thought about how putting up this tent resembled the age old process of erecting a tepee; not nearly as lovely and useful but having the same basic purpose.

Tim is a grass dancer and has many friends his age who also dance. He and one of my grandsons, we found out, have the same birthday! I thought this was a good sign and hope my grandson develops the same friendly and courteous manners as my new friend, Tim!

During the evening as the grand entry was forming I saw Tim and a friend all dressed and ready to dance. His friend is from El Reno and they see each other at Pow Wow's. I saw them laughing and talking and practicing the dance steps, showing each other new things they had learned.

The value of a pow wow is so much more than it may appear on the surface! Everyone has the opportunity to make new friends and run into old friends. It is good to catch up on how many more grandchildren there are this year, or who has travelled and where they have been. The telephone, TV or even the Internet will never replace the friendly handshake and the smiling face of people you have come to care about.

Because I am not Native American Indian I notice even more strongly all the things that distinguish a culture different from my own. I also notice the similarities. Perhaps my Irish ancestry from my mother and the down home country ways of my Texan father have given me an appreciation for community. They both valued the spirit of community and this is what keeps bringing me back to the people and the drums and the friendship of the Sac and Fox and other tribes here in Oklahoma!

I thank them all for this gift to those of us who come to visit.

Graphics and article by Becky Knight