American Indian History is American History: The Powwow
by the Library Committee
On Saturday, November 15, 2025, the Baltimore American Indian Center will present its 49th Annual Powwow at the Timonium Fairgrounds. The doors open at 11:00 AM and the Grand Parade begins at 12 noon.
Do you know the origin of the term powwow? It was a term used by the immigrants (colonists) to this country to describe a gathering of the indigenous people, and was based on the Algonquin word "powwow" or "pauwau," which meant medicine man or spiritual leader. The use of this word by colonists to describe Native American meetings was not respectful. Recently, Native Americans have reclaimed the original meaning.
Today, a powwow is a sacred gathering in which participants represent their tribe in dress, drumming, and dance style. It is a time to celebrate and honor their heritage; a time to pass down tradition and culture to children; and a time to meet friends. It is a way of saying “we are still here.”
Many of the dancers you will see at the Timonium Fairgrounds on November 15, 2025 are from North Carolina, which is the ancestral home of the Lumbee tribe. By the 21st century, the once thriving Lumbee community in Baltimore was showing the effects urban renewal, of generations moving back to North Carolina or moving out of the City to Baltimore County.
Fortunately, Lumbee scholar, Ashley Minner began collecting stories from the elders. She created a map and walking tour of the once thriving neighborhood, which you can see at baltimorereservation.com, or you can pick up the brochure from the American Indian Museum at 113 S. Broadway and take the walking tour.
Continue following StonyRunFriends.org/blog to learn more, and visit the Library Committee's display during the month of November. In Stony Run's Library, you may also find a Dos and Don’ts handout describing ways to show respect to Native Americans.