Postscript:
This years pow wow was a great success. Abenaki unity was everywhere and I was presented with one of the greatest honors in my life with me carrying the Abenaki National flag during the Grand Entry, and during the salute to our veterans. Besides carrying this nation flag, I carried it in rememberance of my U.S. Army outfit, "A" Company, 4th. of the 47th., 9th Infantry Division who were attacked in 1967 during an ambush in Vietnam. My memory and prayers will always be with all those wonderful guys who passed away during that dreadful day. This day at the pow wow was my first chance to honor them, the brave men I loved so dearly. I thank all my Abenaki family for giving me that emotional moment.
Events at the pow wow
Aztec Dancers Added to Our Celebration
North Haverhill, NH- On May 31 and June 1, 2008 Koasek Native American Festival will be held in the VFW Field, Main St., North Haverhill, NH. The line up of full entertainment which includes, a Living 18th Century Village, Rez Dawgs drum from Indian Island Maine, Traditional Iroquois Singers and Dancers from New York and approximately 25 arts and craft vendors has just added on the agenda the Luis Salinas family Aztec Dancers from Mexico City, Mexico.
Luis Salinas learned the traditional Aztec dancing from his father. Joined with other family members, the Aztec Dancers will tell the story of each dance and perform it to the traditional drums of Mexico. Dances will include the spectacular Fire Dance pictured above where Salinas will actually hold fire in his hands!
Koasek Native American Festival will celebrate the history of the Koas Abenaki who lived in the meadows of Haverhill and Newbury for hundreds of years and still live today. The area which embraces the Connecticut River as well as the Ammonoosuc River was well known to Native People all over Canada, New York and New England. Native people would travel the rivers to visit and trade with the Koas Abenaki of the meadows. During the French Indian wars the well traveled route connecting the tribes of the south with the north was through the meadows on Haverhill and Newbury. “ Although we have never historically had visitors from as far away as Mexico City we are honored to welcome the Luis Salinas family this year,” said directors of Native American Festival.
The Pow Wow is sponsored and owned by the Koasek Nation will open the gates at 9AM on Saturday May 31 to 5 PM and June 1, 10 AM to 5 PM. Grand entry of all the dancers entering the circle will begin at Noon each day. The Aztec Dancers will perform approximately at 2 PM each day. The Festival Directors encourage people to bring lawn chairs. In the case of rain the gym of the North Haverhill Town Building located next to the VFW field will be used.
