The mission of the Miami Valley Council for Native Americans is to preserve and represent the cultural heritage and spiritual beliefs of the American Indian people.

    With that being said, we are proud to present this year the following cultural programs which will be held during the week prior to our 20th Annual 'Keeping the Tradition' Pow Wow, which is scheduled for June 28th and 29th at SunWatch Indian Village, 2301 W. River Road, Dayton, OH:

The Sweat Lodge: Past and Present

Tuesday, June 24, 2008 - 6:30 PM at SunWatch

SunWatch, an 800 year old village site on the banks of the Great Miami River is an extraordinary site. SunWatch allows us all to peek into the lives of those who walked before us. Not only can we see their physical life but we can see and experience their spirituality. Come hear the archaeological findings of the Sweatlodge as it was then and hear from American Indians today the significance of what the Lakotas refer to as Inikagapi wokeya.  

The Relationship of the Drum to the Pow-Wow

Wednesday, June 25, 2008 – 6:30 PM at SunWatch

What we today know as the Pow-Wow comes from the northern plains. Every nation of people on Turtle Island had a celebration marking a significant time to celebrate life's abundance. The protocol used today originated on the northern plains. The Lakotas talk of the four circles that are present at every gathering. The first circle is the Drum (can'cega), the second circle is the singers that bring life to the Drum, the third circle are the women who stand supporting the men and bringing harmony to the voices and the fourth circle are the people who hear the harmony of all that is. Raymond Roach (Cheyenne River Sioux) a Master Artist recognized by the Ohio Arts Council will be presenting the role and responsibilities of the Drum.

Spiritual Leadership Roles in Native Culture

Thursday, June 26, 2008 – 6:30 PM at SunWatch

We are all Spiritual in the eyes of the One who is many or as some would say "the Creator" We are given responsibilities in our Relationship to Men, Women, Children, Our Communities, the Earth (our Mother), the Creator, and Ourselves. It is these relationships that help define who we are and our Roles as a Human Being.  

Native Health: Our Plants, Our Nutrition

Friday, June 27, 2008 – 6:30 PM at SunWatch

As the news is filled with revelations about prescription and over-the-counter medications, more and more people are turning to the medicinal knowledge of this nations original inhabitants. American Indians possess ethno botanical knowledge that is still important, applicable, and valid for us today. We invite you to an evening of sharing of the knowledge of edible and medicinal uses of plants, as well as sharing instructions in making simple preparations such as teas, salves and cough medicines.

All of the above Seminars are Free and open to the Public.
However, donations will be gratefully accepted

posted by Webmaster@TMVCNA.org 9:53:00 PM

Wednesday, April 30, 2008