2019 Sunshine State Pow Wow

 Submitted by Brian Quirk, Flaming Arrow

                  Native Sons and Daughters tribes from all over Florida gather each year to celebrate at the Sunshine State Pow Wow.   This year’s event was hosted by State Pow Wow Chief, Brad Zeiler from the Canaveral Nation located in Melbourne, FL.

Close to 600 members from around the state representing Nations from Ft. Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Hollywood, Tampa, West Palm Beach, Orlando, Winter Garden, Cape Canaveral and Jacksonville were in attendance.

This year’s Pow Wow took on a very special meaning as the Chairman of the Board of Elders, Don Bittala (Brave Eagle), The National Assistant Chief, Mike Ryan (Wild Eagle) and the State Chief of Florida, Brian Quirk (Flaming Arrow) were all in attendance. The campers were granted beautiful weather by the Great Spirit and were even given an opportunity to witness a live rocket launch. Some of the entertainment at this year’s Pow Wow included; Jimmy Sawgrass, Fancy Hoop dancing, joke telling, a snow cone station, bounce houses, the mounted sheriff’s patrol and even a midnight rendition of dad’s kickball.

A very special sacred fire culminated in NSD Chairman, Don Bitalla presenting the Canaveral Nation with their new NSD Charter. That was immediately followed by NSD FLRAL State Chief, Brian Quirk presenting the Space Coast Maidens were their new NSD Charter. The furthest traveled was once again won by Andrew “Eagle Feather” Stainsby (he flew in from Asheville, NC).

As the parent of a young child, you have the tremendous opportunity to get to know your child. Spending quality one-on-one time with your child will help build a strong bond of trust and memories that will last a lifetime.

As the Great Spirit reminds us, “You only have 18 summers to make a difference in your child’s life”.