Many thanks to the Pow Wow committee, its chair Marcus Robbins, co-chairs Aaron Winston and Kristy Evans for all their hard work in planning the 20th Annual Pow Wow and to YOU for making it a success! Thanks also to all who worked with the committee, cleaning the grounds, soliciting ads, working in the kitchen or for School Day or whatever the case may be....many, many thanks! Be sure to see the pictures from the link on the left. More will be coming soon.
The Meherrin Tribe participated in Heritage day in Ahoskie, NC. View the pictures from the parade.
NORTH CAROLINA’S FIRST PEOPLE BROCHURE
There has recently been issued a brochure featuring information on North Carolina’s recognized tribes and organizations. This document was compiled and issued by the North Carolina Commission of Indian Affairs. Over 10,000 copies have been produced and are available at various tourist stops and rest areas around the state. It is a colorful brochure featuring brief histories of all of our tribes and photographs
Of special interest to the Meherrin Indian Tribe are photographs of two of our members featured prominently on its cover and on the inside. The cover of the brochure features one of our tribal councilmen, Aaron Winston. On an inner sleeve there is a large photograph of Denyce Hall (page 4). Both in Native dress.
Special thanks to those that contributed to the photography and literature, Pat Riddick, and Dona Richardson. We are very proud of our representation and of the contributions of our tribal members. Great going!
To see it click on the link. You will need Acrobat Reader to open the brochure as it is in a .pdf format.
Click here to view brochure.
You may print it out if you desire.
MEHERRIN TRIBAL HISTORY DVD TO BE FILMED
The Meherrin Indian Tribe in conjunction with Dr. Stanley Knick PHD of the Native American resource Center at UNC-Pembroke, will soon begin discussions on the making of a DVD documentary based on the historical and present day Meherrin Indian Tribe. This film will also contain information to include the tribe’s Chowanoke decendants. Although this venture is in the early stages, it s a very exciting project which promises to present an opportunity for the entire state and country to learn more about our people, our culture, and our past.
We are currently seeking speakers for the production, and photographs of our tribal family groups. We would also like to encourage all tribal members to participate, and forward suggestions to our governing body. This will be an exiting and rare opportunity to create something to spread our history to the world.
Chief spreads awareness about Meherrin
Lewis visits as part of summer academy
By By Zac Goldstein
Staff Writer
Monday, June 30, 2008
Dressed in moccasins and fringed deer hide, Thomas Lewis led a human chain of about a dozen students across the stage, their snake-like movement in sync with the sound of a recorded drumbeat.
The dance was one of several that Lewis, chief of the Meherrin Indian Tribe, shared with students enrolled in Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public Schools' Summer Enrichment Academy on Monday. Accompanying him to Sheep-Harney Elementary School were his granddaughter, Melita Lewis and the brightly attired I'noli Hall.
In addition to the dances, Lewis explained the significance of his outfit and accessories. A breastplate, made of bones, served as armor hundreds of years ago while bells provided some additional sounds during dances.
"They're not traditional, but we like the way they sound," Lewis said.
Lewis also wore an American flag to reflect his military service in the early 1960s. He said it is important to stand out rather than simply copying someone else's appearance.
"You should always be an individual," he said.
Based in the Hertford County area, the Meherrin number about 800 according to Lewis. They gained formal recognition from North Carolina in 1986 and are currently one of eight state-recognized Native-American tribes.
Lewis said gaining recognition required extensive genealogical research.
"It's a lot of paperwork dating back to the 1880s," he said.
The 66-year-old, who has been chief for the past six years, said performing dances for the students spreads awareness of the tribe.
"It says, 'We are a people, we still exist and this is our culture,'" Lewis said. "We have a place here on this Earth."
The dance demonstration was the latest in a series of activities for the 120 third- through fifth-graders enrolled in the enrichment academy. Since it started on June 23, the academy has featured speakers, walking tours of Elizabeth City and field trips.
"They've been from the Outer Banks to Cherokee," said JoAnn Saunders, academy coordinator.
The academy, which debuted with fewer than 100 students last year, offers participants a chance to learn based on their interests. Subjects offered include music, visual arts, technology, math and science and language arts.
This year's academy includes a railroad theme, "Excursion on the N.C. Express." It runs through the end of this week.
Winston Salem State University is conducting a survey assessing interest among Native Americans pursuing degrees online. If you are interested in participating (anonymously) or you just want more information, click on the link below.
Click here to view letter.
Congratulations to Douglas Patterson as he continues as our representative to the Commission Of Indian Affairs.