North American
Iroquois Veterans Assoc.
12th Annual Pow Wow 2004

     Feel the rhythm of the drums pulsing through the hills, the excitement of the dance that captivates and the honor of the North American Iroquois Veterans. Warriors have long held a place of honor in Native American culture. Thus, it’s only fitting that the North American Iroquois Veterans Association stages Salamanca’s biggest expression of its Seneca Nation roots, its annual Pow Wow.

     The 12th Annual Pow Wow will be held July 16, 17 and 18 at Veterans Park, off Broad Street in Salamanca. Salamanca is the only city in the eastern US. that lies entirely within the boundaries of a reservation, the Seneca Sovereign Territory.

     The purpose of the Pow Wow is twofold. First, it serves to welcome and honor all veterans who have given so much of themselves to their Nations in times of battle. Second, it is a social gathering that brings all peoples together and invites visitors to share in the rich Native American culture and heritage by joining together to dance, sing and listen to old songs that bridge the gap from ancestors to elders to youth.

     Activities will include arts and crafts booths, traditional foods, traditional and fancy dance competitions (Smoke Dance, Veterans Smoke Dance, Age 50+ Elders Dance), drum competitions and Iroquois Social Dancing.

     All veterans, both native and non-native, are welcomed and honored at the Salamanca Pow Wow. There will be live entertainment, featuring Marvin Burnette Sioux as emcee.

     The gates to Veterans Park will open at 9 a.m. all weekend. Admission is $10 for all weekend and $7 per day for adults. Children and elders pay only $3. Children ages 5 and under will be admitted free.

     To get to Veterans Park in Salamanca from Interstate 90, take Route 219S directly to Salamanca, and from Route I-86/17, exit at Broad Street, Salamanca. For further information on the Pow Wow, call (716) 283-0084.