RUTLAND, Mass. - The Worcester Inter-Tribal Indian Center held its 39th Annual Inter-Tribal Powwow at the Treasure Valley Campgrounds this weekend.

The celebration of Native American culture included craft vendors, Inter-Tribal dancing, and traditional drumming courtesy of the Walking Bear Singers and the Blackstone Valley Singers.

Over a dozen tribes were represented at the Powwow, including Blackfoot, Cherokee, Cheyenne and Iroquois.

The Fortier family proudly represented their heritage through traditional dress and dancing. Meg Fortier is of Nipmuc ancestry while her husband, George, is from the Mohawk tribe. Their 12-year-old daughter, Julia, continues the tribes’ combined traditions.

“For us it’s extended family, whether by blood or not, it’s a way to get together with people you care about,” Meg said.

After much of Native American culture was erased by colonialism, Meg described Powwows as a chance to “retain and celebrate” their cultural identity as a people.

The exchange of tribal knowledge and traditions at Powwows are important, especially because Native American tribes rarely write their histories, according to Elksbear, vice chairperson of WIIC.

“Our history and heritage are all verbal and spoken word, and it is passed down from generation to generation,” Elksbear said.

Powwows are open to the public and give visitors a better understanding of the history and daily lives of Native Americans through tipi tours, demonstrations and stories. WIIC even educates the Boy Scouts at Treasure Valley through their Monday night programming focusing on Native American lore.

According to John Gentle Hawk, president and senior chair of the WIIC, one of the purposes of Powwows is “… to educate the public and to let them know that we are still here.” Gentle Hawk also seeks to correct any myths or misconceptions that the public might have about Native American culture.

The Powwows are a labor of love for the WIIC and they are often lucky if they financially break even, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 lockdowns. However, through fundraising, donations, and a strong community effort, they could make the 39th Inter-Tribal Powwow a reality.

“We try to have a village. We work together, we feast together, we dance together, we call each other brother and sister,” Gentle Hawk said.

 The WIIC Annual Inter-Tribal Powwow continues Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.