It is with great sadness that we announce the cancellation of the Manataka Powwow.  The event was cancelled after long deliberation for several reasons. 

Unlike Manataka Gatherings we hosted for many years, a powwow event today is a costly commercial event.  Our Gatherings never charged an admission fee and we normally did not have vendors hawking things to our guests because money should never be a part of the Sacred Circle. 

Yes, Gatherings cost money too, but our Elders and members absorbed the cost in order to avoid placing money at the center of our attention -- and away from the purpose and meaning of our spiritual Gatherings. 

Dancers, singers, drummers and other presentations at our Gatherings are performed by volunteers.  But this is not true at most powwows today.  Powwows require a substantial investment in promotion and marketing, but this is not necessary with our Gatherings because only those who are intended to be there are there.  Food is never at problem at Gatherings because members chip-in and bring potluck meals to share with everyone.  At powwows food is sold to the general public for profit and only performers share in a free meal.  

Manataka is not about money.  We do not apply for or accept federal, state or foundation grants.  We do not send out mass mailings, do telephone campaigns, or door knocking to raise funds -- because we feel it is important to teach our children and members to be self-sufficient like our ancestors.  We are not beggars of money but we accept unsolicited donations and trade goods for money in fair exchange.  Manataka is 100% all volunteer with no paid staff.  That is our way and a commercial event does not fit our purpose at this time.

The depressed state of our national and local economy had a role to play in our decision as well.

We also considered the number and scope of the major projects and services provided by Manataka that could suffer from a lack of attention during the time it would take to produce a large commercial event.  That fact was a reality we could not accept.

During the process of arranging the powwow we ran into people who convinced us that the event was not good for Manataka at this time.  We found that many wanted a competition powwow because it offers certain incentives -- like money and ego trips.  Competition is good in games and displays of talent, but it is not good when coupled with money and ego.  Yes, we could host a non-competition powwow, but the ability to attract the best drums, singers and dancers often depends on the prize money.  Our national economy is based on competition for capital -- Capitalism.  Teachers today tell us an education is important because we must learn how to compete in today's world.  Competition for money brings out the worst in us -- greed, selfishness, and anger. It is sad, but true because an education based on the ability to compete does not teach anyone how to be a real human and how to be happy.  We do not teach how to compete.

Health was another factor considered in the decision to cancel.  Three Manataka Elders in their 70's and in poor health.  Five Elders and most of our good volunteers live in other states and unable to assist with local work.  Lee Standing Bear, the primary local organizer and administrator, had a heart attack in June and suffers from low blood pressure, dizzy spells and other health issues.  Manpower to accomplish a large commercial event is lacking at this time.

Most vendors and contributors to the 2011 Manataka Powwow have already received refunds.  The remainder will get refund checks before the end of August.

Yes, we are sad that the event had to be cancelled, but we have faith that spirit is leading us in the right direction. 

If you need to contact us regarding the event, send us an email at  PowwowCommittee@manataka.org