Thoughts on the 50th Annual Delaware Powwow

By Bear Tompkins, Head-Man Dancer

My name is Bear Tompkins, I am a member of the Delaware tribe, and I was the head-man dancer at the Delaware powwow. This year was the 50th annual Delaware powwow. It was a very memorable powwow and a very big honor for my family and me. We were honored when the powwow committee asked me to be this year’s head-man dancer. My parents Ray and Sandy Tompkins pre- pared for an entire year, getting everything ready for my special, and my mom spent a considerable amount of time on my regalia (outfit). I am very thankful for them and all the support they gave me through this. My grandparents Walt and Pat Donnell have always worked hard every year to prepare our camp for the upcoming year. My grandmother has always helped with my regalia and she made me a brand new shirt and vest for this year’s powwow. My uncle Doug sang his song for my special. I remember last year when I was asked to be head-man, I went to my uncle right away and asked him to sing a song for me. He said he would and he did not disappoint. The song he sang was composed for him and it was such an honor for him to sing it for my special. My great uncle Dee Ketchum spoke for me at my special. All of my family was there this year to support me, of course, they are there every year. But they showed me how much they care and how much they love me by all pitching in and helping out with the process. I could not have done anything without them. I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful family.

The powwow this year was great! Thursday night, the Culture Preservation, had their night out at the powwow grounds. The turnout was really big and a lot of young kids and children were stomp dancing around the fire and dancing to our Lenape social dance songs. Friday and Saturday night the powwow was in full effect. The dancers were looking keen in their regalia and the drum sounded sweet! All of the Delaware families were camping out all weekend and the fires were kept burning all night. Some even got in a little trouble for being a little too rowdy! But that’s just kids being kids. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and that’s what it is all about. We all had a great time even if Sunday night was rained out. The 50th annual Delaware powwow was certainly one to be remembered. May God bless us all. Wanishi!