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The Capron-based Nottoway Indian Tribe of Virginia Inc. is hosting its annual PowWow on Sept. 17 and 18 at the Surry County Parks and Recreation Center, which is located on Colonial Trail West Highway 10 at Highway 31 in Surry. The street address is 205 Enos Farm Drive.

A tribe news release noted that the event will involve two days of native dancing, drumming, crafts, demonstrations and food.

The gates will open each day at 10 a.m. The Grand Entry begins at noon on Saturday, Sept. 17, and it begins at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 18. Festivities end at 5 p.m. on both days.

Some of the PowWow activities will include, but not be limited to, the following: 

• Frankie Red Hawk will demonstrate “Primitive Weapons and Native Survival Skills”; 
• Dr. Buck Woodard, an anthropologist, will provide historical enactments; 
• Tribal citizens will provide “storytelling” activities; 
• There will be a lacrosse demonstration — lacrosse was started by Native American Indians; 
• The Education Committee will provide arts activities including beading, basket weaving, making corn husk dolls, etc.;
• The Virginia Department of Forestry will provide a “Tree Identification Activity”;
• The various native vendors will share information with visitors as well;
• The Virginia Museum Foundation for the Arts Mobile Unit will be on the recreation center grounds displaying art, to include native pieces; and
• The Blackwater Regional Library Mobile Van will also be on the recreation center grounds.

This year is the first time that the Nottoway Indian Tribe of Virginia has hosted the VMFA and Blackwater Regional Library. There is no charge to visit either the VMFA Mobile Unit or the library’s mobile van.

“Bring blankets and lawn chairs for two days of cultural activities that the entire family will enjoy,” tribe officials said in the release.

There will be general admission fee rates for adults, seniors (65+) and people younger than 18. Children ages 12 and younger will be granted admission for free when they are accompanied by an adult.

For more information, call 757-276-6033, email NottowayofVA@aol.com or visit www.nottowayindians.org. People can also write to the tribe at Nottoway Indian Tribe of Virginia, P.O. Box 246, Capron, VA 23829.