Published: April 27, 2009 08:58 am      

Pow wow set at Doss Center

WEATHERFORD — The Doss Heritage and Culture Center, in cooperation with the American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Texas, celebrates the first inhabitants of Parker County with two days of art, culture, fun, history and Native American cuisine.

The event will commence May 1, with a private reception and an exhibition of the works of the late Tillier Wesley, a world renowned Creek Indian artist. This exhibit will include the last unfinished piece of art that Tilier was working on when he died.

The reception will also include the first performance of a five movement musical composition. Each movement tells the story of one piece of Tillier’s art.

“Learning about the early inhabitants of our area is so important to understanding the culture and history of all our residents,” said John E. Scovil, executive director of the Doss Heritage and Culture Center. “Before there were cowboys and cattle barons, Broadway stars and political leaders, there were Native Americans. It will be a day of learning and appreciation for the art, crafts and traditions of the American Indians who lived here first.”

The event will resume May 2 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. with a full day of activities highlighting Native American and local vendors. In the afternoon, the Native American Warriors Society of Texas will host a traditional Pow-Wow beginning with the Fallen Soldier’s Ceremony at 1:30 p.m., with gourd dancing at 2 p.m. and grand entry at 6 p.m.

The Native American Heritage Celebration and Art Show includes storytellers, a children’s area, an art show featuring Texas American Indian artists, Native American arts, crafts and jewelry, traditional food and a pow wow featuring The Black Bear family and their popular Native American drum group, The Bearclaw Singers. Also, the DVD titled, Vanishing Link, My Spiritual Return to the Kiowa Way, a film by Donna M Rowell, is to be presented at intervals during the day.

All are invited and welcome. Entrance to the celebration is free.

“We look forward to sharing with all of Parker County their proud American Indian history and heritage,” said Diana Woodward, executive director of the American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Texas. “This is our third year at the Doss Heritage and Culture Center, it’s a great facility and there is something for everyone.”

For more information, call (817) 599-6168. The center is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is $3 for adults and $2 for students and senior citizens. For more information on The American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Texas visit their Web site at www.aicct.com.