North Carolina Zoo to Host Indigenous Powwow This Weekend

ASHEBORO, N.C. (ACME NEWS) — The North Carolina Zoo and Botanical Gardens will celebrate Indigenous culture this weekend with an American Indian Powwow at its Solar Pointe picnic area.

The event, held in partnership with Indigenous community organizers, takes place Saturday, Oct. 4, from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is free to attend and does not require Zoo admission.

Visitors can expect a day filled with dancing, music, art, and educational activities that highlight the living traditions of Indigenous peoples in North Carolina. Tribes represented include the Lumbee, Coharie and Waccamaw Siouan.

“The Zoo serves and welcomes all cultures, and values the sharing of knowledge, history and tradition,” said Diane Villa, interim director of the North Carolina Zoo. “The state of North Carolina is situated on the ancestral land of many American Indian tribes who have lived in this place, cared for these lands and traveled throughout the region for thousands of years. We honor them as the first stewards of this place and celebrate the enduring presence, vibrance and diversity of contemporary Indigenous communities still thriving here today.”

The powwow is being organized in collaboration with Ryan Dial, a cultural educator and enrolled member of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, who has worked with Zoo staff to bring the celebration to life.

Guests are invited to experience traditional dancing, songs, and demonstrations, while also learning about the history and resilience of Indigenous communities.

For more information, visit www.nczoo.org/events