Page 12 - Desert Oracle June 2022

In the past, the Arizona PVA Chapter and Phoenix Service Office has taken the

lead in attempting to break through some of these barriers by attending such

events as the Gathering of the Warriors and by organizing the annual AZ PVA

Pow Wow.

The Pow Wow is the Native American people’s way of meeting together to join in

dancing, singing, visiting, renewing old friendships and making new ones. There

are several different stories as to how the Pow Wow began. The war dance

societies of the Ponca and other Southern Plains tribes were the origin of the

Pow Wow. Some believe that when the Native Americans were forced onto

reservations, the government forced them to have dances for the public to come

and observe. Initially tribal in nature, these gatherings sometimes became inter-

tribal and generally involved music and dance as an expression of cultural pride

and practice. Other activities included gambling games, athletic competition, and

ceremonies which brought Indian people together in harmony and celebration.

In June 2008, PVA National and the Phoenix and Albuquerque Service Offices

provided a two-day comprehensive training for 15 Native American veteran

service officers. This event was primarily aimed to provide training, but it also

helped improve our relationship and communication with our counterparts.

The second annual Arizona Paralyzed Veterans of America Pow Wow was held

in Window Rock Arizona, on July 26, 2008. The event attracted many tribe