Nansemond Indian Pow Wow

17-18 Aug 2019                                Mattanock Town, VA

     The Nansemond Indian Nation gathered with many friends and neighbors for their Annual Pow Wow at Mattanock Town in Suffolk County this past weekend.  The Mattanock Nation supported the American Revolution and all tribal members are likely qualified to be members of either the SAR, DAR, or C.A.R.  Many Nansemond ancestors served as soldiers and others supported the Revolution with supplies or with their taxes.
     The Virginia SAR Color Guard marched in the Opening Ceremony each day to honor the Nansemond Nation for their efforts in the struggle for American Independence. SAR members from around the state also helped the Nansemond Indian Patriots Chapter man a recruiting tent.  Last year this new chapter was started with primarily members of the Nansemond Indian Nation.  The Virginia SAR is now working to help start a similar DAR chapter and the DAR was also working from our recruiting tent.
     On Saturday the public program included the induction of two new members into the SAR and the Nansemond Indian Patriots Chapter.  Virginia SAR 1st Vice President Bill Schwetke inducted new compatriots Keith Anderson and his son Kalen Anderson with assistance from their sponsor, Nansemond Assistant Chief Tom Badamo, and Joe Vermaelen of the Empire State Society who has worked tirelessly to establish this chapter.
     This was a great event, blessed with partly cloudy skies, though the heat and humidity  made the drink vendors very popular.  There was traditional Pow Wow food and at least two dozen vendors selling appropriate items.
     The program consisted of several series of dances representing various traditions that were carefully explained by the master of ceremonies.  There were also opportunities for everyone to participate in the dances.  All SAR members present participated in one particular dance, the one to honor veterans, which had about 50 participants.
     This is an annual event and each Pow Wow is a great opportunity for the Nansemond Indian Patriots Chapter to tell of the heroism and sacrifices of their ancestors in the American Revolution and invite others to join us.

Virginia SAR President Peter Davenport, left and 1st Vice President Bill Schwetke at the Nansemond Indian Patriots Chapter Recruiting Tent.

Left to right: Jeff Brown (Thomas Nelson Jr. Chapter, Virginia SAR President Peter Davenport, Nansemond Indian Patriot Chapter President Sam Bass (also Nansemond Indian Nation Chief), Bill Schwetke (Culpeper Minutemen Chapter) and Kimball Thomspson (Thomas Nelson Jr Chapter). Not pictured is Chirs Melhuish of the Norfolk Chapter, who participated in the Color Guard on Saturday.

As the drums and singers begin the "Honor Song", our two new members parade around the arena with their sponsor and our supporting genealogist. Left to right: Kalen Anderson, Tom Badamo (sponsor), Joe Vermaelen (genealogist), and Keith Anderson.