By Kathy Walsh Nufer
ONEIDA — William King and his family opened the back door of their Chevy SUV on Saturday and removed piece after piece of colorful clothing they would wear as Native American dancers.
King, his wife Shannon and their five children, who live in Oneida, spend the summer months competing at powwows across the Midwest. Saturday they competed in one of their favorites — the 35th annual Oneida Nation Pow-Wow — proud to be part of their hometown's celebration of its Oneida tribal culture and tradition.
"The Pow-Wow is more than an event; it's a lifestyle," said King, 31, as he donned his eagle feather bustle and fan, and the roach (headpiece) of porcupine and deer tail hair. "Some call it a hobby. For us it's our life."
The Oneida Nation Pow-Wow is the culmination of the tribe's Oneida Days celebration, which began June 29 and included several events, such as a golf tournament and a culture festival at the Oneida Nation Museum.
"The powwow is a way that we gather," said Lloyd Powless, Oneida, chairman of this year's Pow-Wow committee.
"These happen all over our country and Canada. It's an important way to perpetuate our culture, food, crafts, dances and songs."
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