WELLS, Maine — Native tribes in Maine and New Hampshire gathered Sunday in Wells for a celebration of their heritage.
It was the New Hampshire Intertribal Native American Council's 20th annual powwow. Traditionally, powwow were held by Native tribes after the winter season ended, to feast and celebrate surviving the cold weather.
Now, the council said it has become a way to keep traditions going and educate outsiders about tribal history, while allowing them to support native vendors and their music, crafts, and demonstrations.
One of the members, Star Perry, said it's a reminder of what being Native means and how learning about her family history has changed her life.
"It was like an understanding of who I was because I finally had a label for it," Perry explained. "I've tried other religions, and they don't make sense to me, but being Native makes all the sense and it's who I am and my ancestors."
Perry also said one of her favorite parts about the powwow is when people are unaware of their own heritage and discover it through visiting the event. Jenni Cluff said that's exactly what happened to her when she went to a Pow Wow in 2006 and found out she was Native. Now, she has a whole family she can't imagine her life without.
"Ever since then, it's my heritage, knowing where I'm from, that I have this history," Cluff explained. "Like Star said, I didn't know where I belonged."
Members of the council also said many of the vendors rely on sales at the powwow to keep their businesses running, so supporting them is key to supporting the economic growth and stability of tribal communities.