The Iroquois Indian Museum of Howes Cave will hold its 27th annual Iroquois Indian Festival on Labor Day weekend, Saturday, August 30 through Monday, September 1.
The festival’s goal is to foster a greater appreciation of Iroquois culture through presentations of Iroquois music and social dance, traditional stories, artwork, games and food.
This year’s master of ceremonies will be Museum Educator Mike Wahrare Tarbell, a member of the Turtle Clan from the Ahkwesahsne Mohawk Nation.
This annual festival centers on the celebration of Iroquois creativity and self-expression by featuring an all-Iroquois Indian Art Market open to Iroquois artists by special invitation only.
The museum invites only those Iroquois artists whose work is both widely known and highly respected.
This year’s art market features many of the best artists working in Iroquoia today. Both traditional and contemporary arts are showcased, including basketry, beadwork, cornhusk art, and carving, as well as painting, sculpture and multi-media works.
In addition, the artists will be available throughout the weekend to discuss their work.
The Sky Dancers from Six Nations Reserve in Ontario will perform traditional Iroquois social dances, and may invite the public out onto the dance floor to participate as well.
The Children’s Tent will feature arts and crafts activities including beadwork and cornhusk doll making.
Local wildlife rehabilitator Kelly Martin will be available to discuss wildlife conservation and will present a variety of wild animals including birds of prey.
Other special features include presentations on genealogy, archeology, and flintknapping led by talented and knowledgeable Iroquois Museum volunteers.
Food is an important part of any culture, and a full array of native foods will be available for purchase provided by Frank and Pam Ramsey from Onondaga and Virgie General from Six Nations Reserve, Ontario. Delicious traditional entrees include buffalo burgers, Indian tacos, venison sausage, roasted corn soup and frybread.
Hours are from 10am-6pm each day, rain or shine. Performances will take place in the museum’s outdoor covered amphitheater and the artists participating in the art-market will be set up in adjacent tents.