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Gathering celebrates Native Americans
Chuck Newcomer threads some moccasins together during a Native American Gathering Saturday, July 5, 2008, at the VFW 9738, 227 Main Street in Guyandotte. The event continues Sunday.
Purchase this photoGUYANDOTTE -- On a cloudy day, one group hoped to shed some light on Native American culture.
The Native American Gathering across from the VFW at 227 Main St. included various demonstrations, crafts, drumming, and vendors on Saturday as part of a two-day event to educate the public.
The gathering also will be open with vendors on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Early Saturday, one man sat by a tree threading a moccasin as nearby women helped each other into full Native-American dress.
"This is an opportunity to show that the stereotype of Native Americans as depicted by Hollywood is not true," said David Cremeans, president of the Native American Indian Federation, which sponsored the event.
Cremeans said the federation regularly holds monthly gatherings to educate the public and demonstrate the Native-American culture. He said there's a lot more Native Americans living in the area than people realize, and events like this weekend's allow the public to experience the culture hands on.
Denise and Charles Scarberry brought their 7-year-old son Aaron to the gathering. They looked over crafts and tools.
"We thought we'd stop by and see what it was. It's interesting," Denise Scarberry said.
Inez Elkins was one of several vendors at the event. Dressed in full Native-American attire, Elkins said she hoped the event would open the eyes of area residents.
"I hope they come out and see what really exists. It seems like it's hidden. Nobody ever gets to see it," she said.
Diana McComas, also in full Native-American dress and demonstrating beadwork, said Native Americans have been discriminated against for years.
More information about gatherings and other events is available by calling the Four Winds Indian Center at 304-416-5551.
