September 21, 2009 –
Sierra Pahmahmie has served as the We-Ta-Se princess since 2007
MAYETTA: The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation will celebrate American Indian Day this week with a declared holiday off for employees on Friday and the 12th Annual We-Ta-Se Veterans Pow-wow on Saturday.
The veterans pow-wow has changed its date and place this year. In the past it was held in November around Veterans Day and held at the 4-H building in Holton, Kansas. However, since the pow-wow has grown so large it was decided to move it to Prairie Peoples Park on the common land where both American Indian Day and Veterans Day could be celebrated together.
American Indian Day, a nationally-recognized holiday, occurs this year on September 25. It originated in 1916 when the state of New York proclaimed the fourth Friday in September as American Indian Day. To celebrate, the PBPN government offices will be closed but essential services like the Potawatomi Tribal Police and Fire Departments and the Health Center will be staffed.
Activities at Prairie Peoples Park will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday with a Native Pride Parade that is being sponsored by the Gen S Youth Group that is part of the Boys & Girls Club. The Grand Entry for the Veterans Pow-wow kicks off at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Information about the pow-wow can be accessed at this website on the home page.
This year’s princess is on tap to be selected tonight at We-Ta-Se’s monthly meeting and will be announced during the pow-wow. In addition, We-Ta-Se members are presently selling raffle tickets for prizes and for more information call the We-Ta-Se office at 785-966-2580.