American Indian Center Hosts 33rd Annual Pow Wow

The Council of Three Rivers American Indian Center will open its 33rd annual Pow Wow with a grand entry of dancers in colorful regalia, just one way the council sustains the Native America heritage by preserving old traditions.

The "pow wow," which means "celebration of life," will be just that. The two-day event, from noon to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, rain or shine, will feature Native Americans from many tribes singing, dancing, performing drumming arts and demonstrating crafts.

The grand entry of dancers takes place at 1 p.m. And there will also be Native American foods available, including buffalo burders, fry bread and homemade chili.

"People come together and celebrate life" explains Leonard Lies, owner of Dream Catchers Films Inc. in Dormont, who has filmed the event for more than two decades.

As the tribal members gather to sing, have dancing competitions and renew friendships, the public is invited to join in. Visitors can take part in the competitive dancing judging and join in social dances, such as the Snake or Round dance.

At vendors' booths, there will be authentic American Indian treasures such as jewelry, baskets, clothing, quilts and pottery.

Lies said the American Indian Center purchased the former Nike Army site near Hartwood Acres that had two radar towers, with missile silos a few miles away that were operational during the Cold War era.

The center was able to purchase the Nike site at a reasonable price, providing a perfect spot for the annual pow wow. Not only does it provide the room to showcase competitive dancing, drummers and crafts, but also provides acres to walk around and enjoy the sites, such as hawks flying overhead.

"It's really beautiful land," Lies said.

For Lies, whose heritage is Italian, participating in the event is part of a journey he started in his early 20s, when he wanted to be a medicine man and was looking for someone to teach him the traditional ways.

"I felt this sort of empathy toward Native Americans," he said. "I really kind of connected with them."

So he and a cousin ventured out west, where they met a young Navajo and Lies shared his dream. The young man's grandfather happened to be a medicine man and he approached the elder on Lies' behalf.

He came back and told Lies that he could see him in several days. He needed an appointment.

It was not the "spiritual moment" Lies had hoped for, but he did get to witness a snake and antelope dance ceremony.

When Lies returned to Pittsburgh, he ventured to the American Indian Center, only to find that the information he was seeking was available at home.

"You could have found all those things right here in Pittsburgh," a man at the center told Lies.

It's no coincidence that his Dormont film studio is called Dream Catchers.

Lies said some of the dances involve the public. And that it's an event for all ages to enjoy.

"It's really a lot of fun," he said.

Donation is $6 for adults and $4 for elders and children under 12. Group rates are available at 120 Charles St., Dorseyville; by calling 412-782-4457 or visiting www.cotraic.org.

No drugs or alcohol are permitted on the grounds.

About Council of Three Rivers American Indian Center:

The Council of Three Rivers American Indian Center was conceived in 1969 when members of two Native American families in Pittsburgh sought to overcome the feeling of "floating" in the mainstream, according to the group's website. They felt the need to maintain a sense of Indian-ness, recapture roots and become more conscious of their rights as Native Americans.

In February 1972 after several years of planning the council was incorporated as a nonprofit organization. The council operated from offices in the Homewood section of Pittsburgh until July, 1976, when it moved to its present headquarters in Dorseyville, Indiana Township.

The council provides many services, such as adoption, an employment and training program, and Head Start centers, including one at 1901 Pioneer Ave. in Brookline.