Getting to know Mother Earth the old way

“Gathering” is growing history event at

By Vicki Johnson, outdoors@advertiser-tribune.com
By Vicki Johnson, outdoors@advertiser-tribune.com

American Indian drumming and dancing, living historians, old-time skills demonstrations – and just maybe another bald eagle sighting – are in store for people who attend the second annual Eastern Woodland Native American Gathering and Pre-1840 Encampment May 31-June 1 at Steyer Nature Preserve near Fort Seneca.

“It's going to be a great event,” said coordinator Jeff Meggitt of Tiffin, also known as Eagle Heart. “We had a good turnout last year and this year we have more vendors, more reenactors and more dancers - hopefully a considerable amount more.”

The event - known in short form as the Gathering - takes place at Steyer Preserve, 5901 N. CR 33, near Fort Seneca. Steyer is one of six parks in the Seneca County Park District system.

The weekend combines American Indian drums, dancing and singing with a pre-1840 rendezvous, which adds up to a cultural, educational and social event.

“It's to benefit the park,” Meggitt said. “The big thing is to make people aware of the parks and make money for the parks.”

The appearance of bald eagles above the circle during opening and closing ceremonies last year caused a lot of comment, he said.

“When we were at other pow-wows at the dance circle, I overheard (dancers who attended last year) encouraging other dancers to come,” Meggitt said. “A lot of people were talking about the eagles showing up so often.

“During closing ceremonies, clouds started circling over top of the circle," he said. "It looked like horses. And then the eagles showed up.

“That's a really good sign and makes them want to come back all the more,” he said. “Many people have never experienced that before. That's the kind of thing that makes good storytelling for generations.”

Meggitt said he received another good omen this year already. Last week, when he and other volunteers were preparing the circle for dancing, he said two deer walked out of the woods and watched them.

“Deer are known for getting rid of negativity,” he said.

Meggitt is a member of Friendly Voices, the host drum. Other members are Snow Owl of Urbana, Squirrel of Zanesville and Spirit Walker of Meeker near Upper Sandusky. He is hoping to find a second drum to participate.

Although similar, the Gathering differs from a pow-wow because it doesn't focus on competition. The emphasis is on the history and culture of the Eastern Woodland Indians, as well as life in the area before 1840.

He's planning for members of the Seneca Muzzleloaders and the Settlers of Yesteryear, two local pre-1840 reenactment groups, to portray life during that era.

In addition, Bob Gillmor of Gillmor Ordnance, Old Fort, along with a Revolutionary War group, plans to demonstrate cannon firing. Artisans plan to demonstrate skills such as wood working, stone cutting and polishing and a variety of music.

Saturday, Back to the Wild's Mona Rutger of Castalia, Animal Planet's 2006 national Hero of the Year award winner, plans to display wildlife and conduct educational programs.

A children's area is to feature craft projects, storytelling and other activities.

Grand entry ceremonies in the dance circle are set for noon each day.

Arena director is Doug "Walking Man" Hodges of Fostoria and master of ceremonies is Brian Darst of Sedalia. Dancers are to be led by head veteran dancer Martin Tallhorse, along with head female dancer Shelly "Lightning Laughing" Oros and head male dancer Allen "Bird Dancing" Martello, both of Pennsylvania. In addition, hoop dancer Cheyenne Sims is to be featured.

"The circle is considered sacred ground," Meggitt said. "It's kind of like a church." Dancers do not enter until the proper purification ceremony has been conducted.

"It's a ceremony to the Creator," he said.

Dance ceremonies include honoring men, women, veterans and public servants such as police, firefighters and emergency medical technicians.

Meggitt said he expects many different types of clothing - from full regalia to plain clothes - and from traditional attire to modern.

The public and reenactors are encouraged to join the American Indian dancers in the circle during "intertribal dancing."

Photos are limited during some ceremonies, but at other times people can take as many pictures of the dancers in the circle as they choose. Anyone who wants to take pictures outside the circle should ask permission first, but most dancers are happy to comply.

In addition to the activities going on, Meggitt said food and beverages are available, including fry bread, buffalo burgers, Indian tacos and other

items.

Vendors plan to offer wares such as hand-made crafts, jewelry , regalia, utensils, beadwork, knives, flutes, books, artwork, to name a few.

The Friends of the Seneca County Park District are asking people for a $3 per person or $10 per family donation at the entrance gate.

"If they want to give more, that's great too," Meggitt said. Or if they can't afford a donation, he said they're still welcome.

"It's a family event that doesn't cost much money," he said. "With today's gas prices, people are looking for events close to home."

Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Taking along blankets or chairs is recommended for watching the dancing.

For more information about participating in the event, call Meggitt at (419) 618-5437 or e-mail SteyerGathering@gmail.com.