King North Carolina – Gathering of Patriots
King’s Cabin
The small town of King, located Northwest of Winston-Salem, is one of those towns when driving on the freeway you enter and exit with little knowledge that you have even entered a new city.
King, much like many other Southern towns, popped up along the railroads which were strung across the nation in the 19th Century. For business transactions, the original name of “King’s Cabin” was shortened to “King”. Development was further accelerated with the construction of the nearby four line highway.
While new enclaves of cookie-cutter houses have been built in the rural areas outside of King’s center, the main street hasn’t seen much changes since the 1950s. The same brick buildings and antique storefronts have stood the test of time and will continue to stand as a monument of nostalgia to times without superstores and mega malls.
You can read more about small towns like King here!
Support for Veterans
In the small country town of King, a group of veterans hosted a powwow in support of their American Legion post 290. The American Legion is an organization which supports veterans who have served in foreign wars.
In order to raise funds for the veterans in King, North Carolina members hold events much like this powwow to attract crowds to their small community center at the edge of town. Although few in number the dedicated veterans attracted many vendors and musicians from across the east coast to set up stalls for their “Gathering of Patriots” Powwow.
You can find a schedule of powwows here!
Smudging Soggy Ground
The days leading up to the Gathering of Patriots were plagued by days of rain which, unfortunately, directly affected the turnout to the powwow. The number of people in attendance on the final day of the event dwindled to only a handful of onlookers and participants.
Despite the few number people in the audience, the powwow was still held after being delayed a few hours. The master of ceremonies made his way out to the circle bordered by various flags such as that of the state and the armed forces.
After praying to the seven directions, the master of ceremonies made his way out of the now purified circle to bless whoever desired it. All of the veterans and those participating in the powwow lined up to have the smoke roll across their bodies.
Like many other powwows, the Gathering of Patriots had its own grand entry consisting of veterans and dancers, however, like those in attendance, very few people were seen stepping into the circle. May it be the weather or the lack of advertising, the overall feeling of the event left onlookers wanting more. While powwows are seen as an event where those of all nations, especially indigenous tribes, can come together and be at peace. This particular powwow lacked the liveliness of bigger events but was made up for with the passion of the participants.
You can read more about other powwows here!
Native American Identity
Being on the east coast of the United States, the blood of indigenous people is substantially mixed with that of other races. It is therefore hard, if not impossible, to find tribal members who can claim to be full blooded. With federally recognized tribes such as the Cherokee, it is even more difficult to claim membership. Even with documentation of your ancestors being Native Americans, it is no guarantee that you will be recognized by tribal councils.
For many, the question of how much blood does it take to be considered indigenous is extremely sensitive. Those who are members of nations such as the Cherokee tend to treat these matters with a sense of inclusiveness and understanding, even if it means not allowing them to be active members within tribal affairs.
It is not uncommon to see many European looking people in full regalia participating in a powwow. Even with a fair complexion and light hair, these descendants are still integral parts of the Native American community and the revival of indigenous culture.
You can read more about claiming Native ancestry here!
Gathering of Patriots
While the powwow in King North Carolina can’t hold a light to massive gatherings like that at the American Indian Heritage Celebration, the people involved welcomed visitors with open arms and were more than willing to answer in questions pertaining to their culture. In attendance at the Gathering of Patriots were members of the Waccamaw, Pee Dee, and Cherokee.
These small southern towns hold a charm in their quaint main streets with their old-timey general store and events such as the Gathering of Patriots which brings the whole community together. With such passionate individuals that put powwows such as this together, one can only hope that in the coming years they can continue to support veterans and also play an active role in reviving indigenous culture in the United States.
