On one of my many trips driving across the country to see family living "Out West", I saw this sign beside the rural road I had traveled, to attend Sunday worship services in a small church outside Carson City, Nevada. Since I was not on any set schedule, I followed the direction of the arrow, and pulled into the parking lot, to see what was happening.
To my great delight, I arrived just in time to see hundreds of Native Americans, dressed in the most colorful attire imaginable, gathered in the center area of the location, doing the type of rhythmic movements they are famous for! It appeared to be mostly men, who were out in the center, "strutting their stuff", to the pounding of loud drums, that could be heard as soon as I exited my car in the parking lot! It was easy to figure out where the "action" was taking place, based on the sound of the drums!
During this particular dance, I observed many of the women gathered around the dancing "Chiefs and Warriors", keeping time with their hands and bodies, as their male counterparts dominated the center of the lawn. It was at this point, that I had to quit taking photos, because the Master of Ceremonies for the event, got on the loud speaker and said the next portion of the Pow Wow was NOT to be filmed or photographed, because of its sacred nature. So I complied with his request. (Later, when I googled the topic, I saw that YouTube has versions of the ritual available on line, for anyone interested)
Before I stopped, however, I took one last photo of these amazing Native Americans, as they stood at attention, for the presentation of flags.
People come from all over to see and participate in this event, many using it as a time for family reunions/celebrations. Many families set up a modern-day "teepee" around the dance circle area, to provide shade, seating, and cold beverages for their loved ones. With that being said, it was pretty difficult for a "foreign" interloper such as myself to see what was happening in the inner circle---and probably that is what they had in mind! However, there was one small section of metal bleachers on the sidelines, but as you can imagine, every single seat of those bleachers was already taken by the time I happened onto the scene.
Therefore, I spent the remainder of the time wandering around the many vendor tents/displays that were set up outside the circle, displaying a wide variety of items for sale, that reflected various aspects of Native American culture and design.
Most of this display of blankets and jackets reflects Native American designs, but I would have to comment that the "mossy oak"-appearing camouflage design, looks a little more like Bass Pro Shops, than Native American!
There was an abundance of original art available for sale, either with a Native American motif, or being the non-specific creations of a Native American artist.
These purses looked very durable, and in keeping with graphic designs familiar to Native American culture.
As is typical for most craft festivals these days, there was display after display, of hand made jewelry.
Jewelry made from silver is especially prevalent in Native American cultures of the Southwest.
I was fascinated with this breast plate attire made from hollow bones and beads. That is because I have found hollow bones out in the woods while hiking, and often bring them home, to put buckstring through them, and turn them into a decoration for my "Southwestern Room", full of souvenirs from trips Out West. I can only imagine how many animals, and what types of animals, it must have taken to come up with this many hollow bones of the same size and type!
Just about anywhere you travel in the USA today, you will see these "Dream Catchers" available for sale, with references to legends that the Native Americans used them to keep "evil spirits" out of their thoughts/dreams at night. The "Dream Catcher" could actually serve as a visual aid for one of my First Place 4 Health (
www.FirstPlace4Health.com )Scripture memory verses that talks about the concept of "catching--or taking as captives---bad thoughts and dreams". 2 Corinthians 10:5 says, "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."
As you can see from this photo, the weather for this event was perfect!
I took this photo to show another example of how the Native American families set up their version of a "tailgate" party---notice the tent with the red, rectangular, portable baby crib!
This placard, with a map of the Stewart Indian School campus, gives the visitor an idea of how large the campus is! The school first opened in 1890, and was part of the Native American Boarding Schools Project. It was the only off-reservation boarding school in Nevada. Funding for the school was obtained by Nevada's first senator, William M. Stewart.
This building will be the welcome center for the newly-opened Cultural Center.
The
reputation of long-time school director, Frederick Snyder, is that he wanted the school to be an architectural showplace.
The colorful stones were quarried from a nearby river. I was amazed at the streaks of turquoise running through some of the stones!
What a blessing that these children may now visit the Stewart Indian School under much different conditions, and enjoy the benefits of a self-governing society, rather than the socialism-type society that characterized Native Americans until the mid-1900's. In 1980, the federal government eliminated funding for Indian boarding schools and closed the facility.
The image of these children randomly running, and dressed in typical children's clothing, is a much different scene, than would have been seen when the school was in operation in the late 19th century. During that time period, the students were required to cut their hair, wear uniforms, and march in formation to class.
However, the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 permitted native American self determination and self government. The Bureau of Indian Affairs encouraged schools, such as Stewart, to let students speak their native language, and to promote classes in native cultures. The school closed in 1980. During its 90 years of operation, about 30,000 students attended the school.
This photo of diners as a picnic pavilion tent, are a reminder to say that food vendors are available at the event, many specializing in foods unique to Native American cuisine.
I read that when Frederick Snyder was put in charge of the school in 1918, he turned it into an horticultural showplace.
Perhaps the beautiful yellow rose bushes, growing beside one of the buildings, are a result of his efforts.
If one prefers eating their dinner, "picnic style, on the grounds", under a shade tree, there are plenty of large trees throughout the property that make such a choice possible!
Since this was originally a school for Native American children, it is not surprising that the State of Nevada Indian Commission would have an office on the Stewart Campus.
This photo shows how former Stewart School Administration Building, which has now been turned into a cultural center.
II read that recently, about 5.7 million dollars of the state of Nevada budget, was used to renovate the building into the Stewart Indian School Cultural Center. If you would like to learn more about this fascinating place, and when their next Pow Wow will be, visit their website at
www.StewartIndianSchool.com .
The narrated walking tour that uses your cell phone, is a very helpful feature, for folks taking the tour as "self-guided", like I was. You can dial 775-546-1460 to hear the voices of actual student alums. Also, you can do this NOW from your living room! You do not actually need to be present on the campus to hear the tour!
The cross at the entrance to this building, and on top of the bell tower, are a reminder that the school's history includes a Christian work ethic, meaning I should do all my work to the best of my ability---as if I were working for the Lord Jesus, Himself!
Remembering that this school first opened in the 1890's, the need for a bell, atop a centrally-located tower, would be very important. There were no telephones, radio, or loud speakers to tell folks scattered throughout the campus, that it was time for a meal, beginning/end of class, or worship services, or other possible group gatherings.
You can see from this photo that a ramp has been added to the entrance, to make it wheel-chair accessible.
The buildings throughout the Stewart Campus are said to be of the vernacular architectural style. That means that they are characterized by use of local materials and knowledge, usually without the benefit of trained architects. The Stewart School is noted for its masonry work of colored native stone, and was built with the labor of dozens of student apprentices.
The original stone beneath the archway of this building, shows it was built in 1931---that is, during the Great Depression. The large number "89" refers to its number on the campus map.
I was surprised to see a state agency housed in such a historical building as this, partly because I am so used to thinking of Nevada, in terms of the shimmering glitz of Las Vegas! You can find out more about the Nevada Department of Corrections on their website at
www.doc.nv.gov . Back in my home state of Arkansas, then Governor Bill Clinton appointed me to the state's Prison Review Commission, to visit various jails across the state to see what needed to be improved. We visited some very old prisons, but I do not believe any of them could be considered as old as these buildings! The Stewart Indian School has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1985.
This lovely little church captured my attention as I was leaving the Stewart school. It sits across the street from the main campus.
Another thing that captured my attention as I was leaving, was this bumper sticker. No matter what fears one is dealing with, the message on the bumper sticker is accurate! This visit to the Stewart Indian School gave me "Miles of Smiles", and I would recommend you check them out if you are ever in their area! Tricia
