October is Native American Indian Month in Tennessee

October is Native American Indian Month in Tennessee, and the event is celebrated annually at Long Hunter State Park. You will find everything from Indian tacos, jewelry, crafts, paintings, pottery, storytelling and Indian games. There is also a dance competition and a drum and singing contest.

The Native American Indian Association of Tennessee (NAIA) was chartered in 1983 as a tax-exempt, non-profit corporation. It is the only statewide non-profit organization with an all-Indian Board of Directors elected by the membership and represents the concerns of more than 10,000 Native American Indian residents in the state of Tennessee.

NAIA describes itself as a "service organization based on the principles of self-determination and self-reliance". The organization provides such services as job training and placement, scholarships, health services, and emergency assistance during times of crisis. Because the state of Tennessee has no Indian reservations, there has been no state or federal assistance available to the American Indian population.

In celebration of Native American Indian month, the state of Tennessee hosts its annual Tennessee State Pow Wow at Long Hunter State Park in Nashville. Admission charges to the Pow Wow are very reasonably priced at $6 general admission and $3 for seniors and children ages 6-12 years.

The Dance Competition categories include Traditional, Cloth Dance, Fancy Shawl and Jingle Dress for the women with prize money ranging from $300 to $700 for the best dancers in the women's division. Similar dance categories and prize money is offered in the men's division. There are also dance competitions for boys and girls as well as senior citizens.

The Drum and Singing Contest offers prize money ranging from $500 to $3000.

Currently the NAIA is planning to build The Circle of Life Indian Cultural Center which is a 6500 square feet community center. The NAIA is attempting to raise $1.5 million for the construction of this facility in the Nashville area. The facility will house administration as well as providing pow wow grounds. There will also be a museum and a research library to aid the general public in better understanding American Indian heritage and culture. The architectural design of the pow wow grounds, including parking areas will radiate out from a center circle representing the ceremonial central Drum.

For a membership application or for more information on The Circle of Life Center, please visit their website The Native American Indian Association of Tennessee .

Long Hunter State Park is located in Davidson County at

2910 Hobson Pike

Hermitage, TN 37076

(615) 885-2422

Source: http://www.naiatn.org/