Native Americans, friends and guests came together under sunny skies last weekend at Rockport City Park. Vendors offering a selection of crafts, garments, decor and other goods kept a sizable crowd in the shaded parts of the park. Others gravitated toward the food stand where buffalo burgers and other unique treats were served Saturday and Sunday.
Grand entries were held both days of the event, led by representatives from several Native American nations bearing the flags of the United States, State of Indiana and several of Native American tribes from across the country. The sanctified dance circle saw several performances throughout the day from dancers in traditional garb. Skilled drummers kept a steady rhythm to keep the festivities lively throughout the weekend.
Event organizers asked visitors to bear in mind some of the threats to Native American peoples today, especially the many reservation women who have gone missing in recent years. Due to questions of jurisdiction on reservation land and areas surrounding it, missing persons cases can often fall through the cracks, leading to many unsolved cases across the country.
Photos by Don Steen
