Aquidneck Island Pow-Wow Bridges Generations

"We welcome all to celebrate in what we are here to celebrate ourselves. A tribute to our heritage. A way to show pride in our past."

Those were the words of Donald Sly, who is also known as 3 Horses Sly Fox, the chief-chairman and spiritual leader of the nonprofit Aquidneck Island Intertribal Indian Council at the mini pow-wow held Saturday in Middletown at the Knights of Columbus. The event featured authentic Native American music, dancing, stories and the displays of historical artifacts. It was a day celebrating the tribe's love of heritage. It was a day of sharing.

The pounding of ceremonial Indian drums was unmistakable, moving, addictive to the soul. The celebration was beautiful to those who have heard it before several times, and to those who may have never heard it before.  

Local Native Americans spanning generations came together to pay respect to their past—to tell stories from long ago, to share their tribal pride and heritage to all those from the community who joined them on Saturday. The Chief and his wife "Dreams of Wolves" made efforts to personally welcome all who were there.

In a fast growing self-centered society, this was music to many ears on Saturday. Ears that have heard so much, and now are sharing with their future, those feelings, those stories, and the honor that they all proudly display.

At the end of the day, the Chief said he hopes that "we can continue to grow as a community, to share with all those who wish to take part."

Tribal meetings are open to all, he noted.

For more information:

• www.aquidneckindiancouncil.org
• aquidneck_indian@verizon.net

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