This quarter’s picture postcard is a photograph from my very first Native American PowWow!

I recently found out that there are quite a few Native American PowWows up and down the East Coast. I was excited to realize that here was a culture in my own backyard that I had never explored! I was able to experience two powwows in the space of just two weeks, though I had to drive quite a distance for the second one. But the beat of the drums, the beautiful regalia, the singing and the dancing, and the realization that, despite the difficulties, Native Americans today have been able to hold on to many of their traditions, made the trip well worth it. Most memorable of all is after one of the dancers—Eagle Tail, from the Micmac tribe of Canada—viewed my photos after the powwows and wrote to me:

“You truly capture the life that we as Native People have. Your eye sees things that we feel. You capture our feathers as they sing and dance for the spectators. You have this this gift that speaks with out words. You capture our souls with your lens. I thank you for all of us..... Wa-la-len (thank you).”

I can’t imagine a more meaningful compliment. Thank you, Eagle Tail!

This photo was taken at the inter-tribal Healing Horse Spirit Pow Wow, which took place in Mt. Airy, Maryland in April 2008. This powwow honored the earth, the horses, and each other, while also serving as a fundraiser for HorseNet Horse Rescue, a non-profit horse rescue and rehabilitation facility. View more Native American PowWow photos here.

Ref: Spring 2008 Picture Postcard

Location: Virginia Beach, VA

Photographer: Irene Abdou