Carolina Indian Circle begins culture week

An otherwise bleak room in the Student Union was brought to life Monday night.

With the bright attire and lively music of Native American culture, students from the Carolina Indian Circle gathered to present and learn about tribal garb and traditions.

The event was the first of Carolina Indian Circle Culture Week, leading up to Saturday’s powwow, a traditional Native American gathering characterized by music, food and competitive dancing.

Although the event was open to the public, most of the 10 in attendance were members of the Carolina Indian Circle.

Students of several different tribes presented their traditional dress and histories to the crowd.

Leslie Locklear, a freshman from Raeford and member of the Lumbee tribe, said she has been active in powwows since her childhood and has been taught to honor the tribe’s traditions.

“I’ve always been taught to respect your regalia,” Locklear said.

After several presentations about clothing, those in attendance were taught to dance a “round dance” to a YouTube clip of Native American music.

Powwows began in the late 19th century when Native Americans were herded into reservations and began sharing cultures and traditions.

Common items of clothing among tribes include a fan made of feathers from hawks or eagles, shawls for women and moccasins.

The Carolina Indian Circle is a student organization founded in 1974 intended to meet the needs of American Indian students at UNC.

“It’s important to show Native Americans are not just feather-wearing people,” Locklear said.

Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.