Discovery Park of America Announces Schedule and Special Guests for Second Annual Northwest Tennessee Native American Educational Powwow

Discovery Park of America has announced the schedule and special guests for the second annual Northwest Tennessee Native American Educational Powwow to be held September 19-22, 2024 at the museum and heritage park in Union City, Tennessee. This four-day event will offer visitors a one-of-a-kind cultural experience, highlighting the rich traditions and heritage of Native American communities from across the nation. Friday's schedule features programming targeting the many students who will be at Discovery Park on field trips. The complete schedule for each day has been posted on the website at discoveryparkofamerica.com/powwow.

Al Santos, of Taino and Arawak heritage, will be the emcee for the event, while entertainment will be provided by Arvel Bird and John Lone Eagle. Contemporary Native American artist and storyteller Brent Greenwood will be performing and showcasing his unique art.

"We've been planning this event since the success of our inaugural powwow last year. The inspiring sights, sounds and beauty of powwows offer an enriching experience that is both enjoyable and educational for the entire family," said Scott Williams, Discovery Park's CEO. "Those who visit will discover a vibrant display of the skill, grace and beauty of Native American culture."

Al Santos is a versatile artist who has performed with the American Indian Dance Theater and appeared in the Marvel/Disney series "Echo" and Apple Films' "Fancy Dance," for which he also composed the original powwow music. He is the founder and lead singer of Ottertrail, a Native American Music Award winner and Grammy-nominated drum group formed in 1992. Santos was a recent guest on Discovery Park's podcast, "Reelfoot Forward: A West Tennessee Podcast," that can be downloaded on Apple podcasts, Soundcloud and other podcast applications.

John Lone Eagle, an acclaimed musician and cultural ambassador, will kick off the powwow on Thursday evening with a free concert on the Great Lawn at 5 p.m. Arvel Bird is of Native American and Celtic heritages and performs with violin, fiddle, Native flutes and Irish whistles. Bird has toured with Glen Cambell, Loretta Lynn, Tom T. Hall and others.

Brent Greenwood is an award-winning contemporary artist of Chickasaw and Ponca heritage. An acrylic and mixed media artist, he uses Native American history and first-person narratives as inspiration for his paintings. Greenwood has also completed or facilitated outdoor and indoor murals in Ada, Sulphur, Tishomingo, White Eagle and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Others participating in the event are Jimmy Reedy, arena director; Meredith Printup Higgins, tabulator; Dean Swimmer, eagle staff carrier; Tim Robinson, Sr., head gourd dancer; and Nicole Pavatea, head judge. Host Northern Drum will be Medicine Tail and Host Southern Drum will be South Side. Guest Gourd Drum will be Ottertrail.

More than 20 Native American craftspeople from around the nation will be set up to display and sell their work. Included will be Jon Tiger of the Muskogee Creek Nation, Niles and Jean Aseret of the Navajo Nation and Lola Swimmer of the Cherokee Nation.

Discovery Park is once again partnering with Obion County residents David and Kim Greene Bugg to produce the event. David is of Cherokee descent, and Kim is a member of the Oneida Nation on the Six Nations Reserve in Ontario, Canada. An exhibit of Kim's beadwork was on display last year at the museum.

"Powwows like this one at Discovery Park showcase a vital part of Native American life, and feature dancing and singing contests, feasting, storytelling, live entertainment and arts and crafts," said Kim Greene Bugg. "Throughout the event, visitors will have an opportunity to witness competition dancing in various styles, from traditional to modern interpretations, by dancers representing tribes across the country."

This event is free with park admission or membership. A special Discovery Park VIP admission package is available for those looking to enhance their powwow experience. For a cost $37.99, the VIP package-available during the powwow only-includes general admission for all four days, unlimited access to Cooper Tower, a 10% discount at Discovery Park's gift shop and café and a special souvenir powwow program.

For the complete powwow schedule, visit discoveryparkofamerica.com/powwow.