Local News
Heritage honored
By Patrick McCrelessDressed in authentic straight dance attire, Larry Whitefeather stepped into the enclosed dance circle. He performed, just as he had in many years past, to keep his culture alive.
Whitefeather, of Joppa, was one of several people with American Indian heritage who performed during the Annual Cullman County Indian Festival at Smith Lake Park Saturday.
“We are the true people of this area,” said Whitefeather, who is part Cherokee. “These are our traditional dances. We’ve got to keep the culture going.”
The event, sponsored by the Sisters of Wolf’s Circle, featured a variety of authentic Native American dances, music and merchandise. The festival continues Sunday.
Ken Adatisqua George, staff Sgt. for the Native American Army Honor Guard and War Society, said he came from southern Alabama to dance in honor of veterans and those who lost their lives in war. He did so carrying a highly decorated eagle staff.
“The eagle staff is the first American flag,” George said. “American Indians would carry it at gatherings.”
George said a friend of his got him interested in celebrating his Indian heritage many years ago.
“I’ve been doing all the powwows ever since,” he said.
Sky Hawk, a Cherokee from Ashville, said his mother got him started performing traditional Indian dances when he was still a child. For the last 28 years, he has traveled from state to state to honor his ancestors.
“This is our church,” Sky Hawk said of the dancing circle. “And I come to dance for my Creator and those who were lost in war.”
Unlike Whitefeather, Sky Hawk was dressed in men’s traditional attire, which included ankle bracelets made from deer hooves.
“I made it all,” he said. “I try to make it as original as I can.”
Though the dancing ceremonies are mainly a way to honor his people, they are also a way to have fun, Sky Hawk said.
“We have a great time and meet and have fellowship with different people,” he said.
‰ Patrick McCreless can be reached by e-mail at patrickm@cullmantimes.com or by telephone at 734-2131 ext. 270.
- Local News
-
-
Top-ranked Bearcats feel same old blues on road in Russellville
Four turnovers. Two missed field goals. Several blown assignments.
Not many teams can survive that many miscues in the playoffs. Top-ranked Cullman found that out Friday night, getting upended 42-14 at No. 5 Russellville in the Class 5A quarterfinals. -
Top-ranked Bearcats feel same old blues on road in Russellville
Four turnovers. Two missed field goals. Several blown assignments.
Not many teams can survive that many miscues in the playoffs. Top-ranked Cullman found that out Friday night, getting upended 42-14 at No. 5 Russellville in the Class 5A quarterfinals. -
Train vs. car, no one injured
Sean Hart, 32, had driven County Road 917 at least a hundred times to reach his Johnson’s Crossing home, but Thursday afternoon was different.
-
Wrong number leads to drug arrest
If you’re calling someone to set up a drug buy, it’s important to make sure you dial the correct number first.
-
Taste of Cullman event raises $8,000
The annual Taste of Cullman event raised approximately $8,000 for the Cullman County United Way Tuesday night.
-
School H1N1 clinics to start Mon.
Local schools will begin hosting free H1N1 swine flu vaccine clinics next week for elementary students.
-
Farm family recognized at annual banquet
Sam and Cynthia Black and family were honored as the 2010 Farm family of the year at the annual Farm-City Banquet Thursday evening at the Cullman Civic Center.
-
Annual Farm-City banquet Thursday at Cullman Civic Center
The Farm-City Banquet will be Thursday at the Cullman Civic Center at 6:30 p.m.
-
Commissioner takes Smith Lake water proposal to town council
County commissioner Wayne Willingham addressed West Point’s town council Monday evening regarding the county’s proposed Smith Lake water project.
-
LePard trial pushed to Dec.
The trial for Derrick LePard, a former Cold Springs teacher accused of extortion and attempting to produce obscene matter of a child, should move forward in early December.
-
County commission not satisfied with city Duck River contract
The Cullman County Commission will not sign onto the city’s Duck River water plan until certain aspects of the project contract are addressed.
- More Local News Headlines
-
