Twelve-year-old Caiden performs men’s traditional dancing, which the dancers refer to informally as “men’s tradish.” It is the oldest form of pow wow dancing. Caiden’s outfit is notable for its many eagle feathers, as well as for the roach on top of his head, which is made from the guard hairs of a porcupine.
The type of dance known as women’s fancy is said to represent coming out as a woman, just as a butterfly comes out of its cocoon. The fringed shawls the dancers hold up throughout their dances feature ornate ribbon work and embroidery, which move in rhythm with their steps.
A circle of drummers gathers at the center of the arena to play “Veteran’s Song,” a tribute to Bill Wells — the longtime chairman of the NAIA Pow Wow, who died in September. “He will be remembered for his genuine Southern hospitality,” one of the drummers says of Wells at the outset of the performance. “Let’s make this the best pow wow yet in his memory.”
Photographing this year’s NAIA Pow Wow and discussing Nashville’s future with members of the Indigenous community
