Listen and learn from Voice in the Wind

   Remember Chief Nokahoma? The Braves named him their mascot in 1941 and everything was cool until political correctness came on the scene in the 70’s. Some protested Nokahoma because he stereotyped Indians. Some protested because he wore the wrong clothes and did the wrong dance for the tribe he supposedly represented. Then, rumor had it, someone protested because an Italian guy played Nokahoma, and if the Braves were to have an Indian mascot, then they should employ a real Indian.

   The Indian issues continue to spill into cyberspace. An Internet site mentions Indians being upset that they are stereotyped as having big noses. When I was taking courses for my ESOL certification, the professor showed us a coloring book that portrayed Indians with little button noses and yes, Indians protested because they don’t have noses like that.

   OK, already, so what does it take to be politically correct?

   I asked Paul Eddy, a Sioux Indian living in Winder. 

   “Political correctness is an oxymoron,” said Eddy, who calls himself an American Indian and has better things to do with his time and energy that nit-pick over names and nuances. For fourteen years, Eddy has headed up Voice in the Wind, the American Indian Festival at the Gwinnett County Fairgrounds which runs this weekend.

   The tradition opens with a grand entry that includes a parade and prayers. Poetry readings, storytelling, blowgun and drum making demonstrations rank high among the venues for entertainment. And for anyone wanting an authentic souvenir, Indian artifacts will be displayed for sale by vendors who can explain the history and significance of each item, including the ever-popular dream catchers. 

   But the highpoint of the weekend will be the Indian dances including hoop dance, fancy shawl dance and buckskin dance, which will be competitive among Indians. Others like the broom dance and potato dance will be open to audience participation.

   A rather touching event is the parade honoring veterans for their warrior spirit. Any veteran of any ethnic background may march, and if a veteran is not able to attend, a representative may march in his place.

   “A warrior is not judged by his skills, but by his spirit and willingness to give his life so his people may continue.”

   Spirit is the important thing in all aspects of living according to Eddy. Politicians and activists may dictate what is politically correct or incorrect, but Eddy said, “We are all spiritual beings and if everyone would just be themselves, we would all know each other.”

   So, if you want to know the truth about American Indians, don’t listen to politicians or activists. Just listen to and participate in the Voice in the Wind. 
(Oh, yes, Eddy verified that that rumor about the Italian guy playing Chief Nokahoma was true. The protestor, Levi Walker, was a real Indian who had no problem taking over the politically incorrect job.) 

   More info: 770-791-0066 or 770-963-6522

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