The public is invited to experience the rich history of Native American culture during the inaugural Dam Pow-wow on Saturday and Sunday at the Austin Dam Memorial Park.

Traditionally, a pow-wow is a social gathering where Native American people participate in traditional dances, sing, socialize and celebrate their diverse culture, as well as honor their ancestors and veterans of war. Some of these gatherings are open only to Indigenous peoples, though others are open to all who desire to come, as a way of teaching the public about their way of life and culture.

The Austin Dam pow-wow is no different, although this event in particular was also created in remembrance of the people of Austin who experienced or died in a devastating flood that occurred on Sept. 30, 1911. On this day, the dam split, sending a wave of water over the town while citizens ran for their lives. It’s estimated that 78 people died in the flood, though many more individuals were unaccounted for.

Gates for the pow-wow will open at 10 a.m. and the Grand Entry will begin at noon, followed by the flag song and veterans song. Drummers and dancers will perform throughout the day. The general public will be given a chance to dance during the intertribal dances. Additionally, a special dance called the “candy dance” will be held, in which wrapped candy will be tossed onto the ground and children will be invited to dance to the drum beat. Whenever the drum stops, they can pick up a piece of candy.

“We try to get everybody involved that we can,” said Russ Dawson, one of the organizers and emcees for the event.

The event will also include a wide variety of arts and crafts vendors, selling items such as jewelry, leather products, dreamcatchers, clothing and books on Native American culture. Food vendors will be available, selling traditional Native American foods, such as frybread, along with brisket and barbecue pork.

In addition to the drummers and dancers, other entertainment will include wood carvers making items on site, as well as a birds of prey exhibit with live birds.

During pow-wows, individuals are asked to follow certain etiquette, such as asking the dancers before taking pictures and not touching anyone’s regalia — the clothing they wear — which is oftentimes fragile and irreplaceable due to being handed down from generation to generation.

“Most of the dancers love getting their pictures taken, because when you look at a dancer and say ‘I like your outfit,’ that’s a thrill to them,” Dawson explained. “It’s always polite to ask first before you take a picture though.”

It is also proper etiquette to refer to the clothing as regalia, rather than the term “costume,” as the clothing is a part of their culture and who they are, not a part of a character they play.

Dawson said one of the things he likes to stress the most is that if someone has a question, they should ask.

“If you have questions, the only way you’ll know the answer is to ask,” he said. “That way you’re not walking around just trying to figure it out because our vendors and our dancers will gladly answer your questions.”

Admission for the event, which opens at 10 a.m. and runs until dark, is $3.50 for those 60 years or older, $5 for those aged 10-59, $2 for disabled individuals and free for children 9 and under. All proceeds for the event will go towards the preservation of the Austin Dam park.

For more information on the pow-wow, visit the Austin Dam facebook page or contact Russ at 570-550-1744 or standingwolf357@yahoo.com.

Public camping for five nights is also available for $25 through the Austin Dam Association, which can be used all at once or split up as desired. For more information, contact the Austin Dam Association at 814-558-9021 or austindam@yahoo.com.