For a taste of American Indian culture, look no further than Aviator Sports Complex on June 6, 7, and 8, when Gateway to Nations comes to Brooklyn for the 20th annual Pow-Wow celebration.
The Redhawk Native American Arts Council has been informing and introducing visitors to the rich and varied culture and history of the Native American peoples for 20 years. By hosting these events, that enchant the audience with dance, song, and art, the council has shared the cultures of the tribes of the Lower Hudson Valley as well as indigenous communities from all over the Americas.
Highlights of the festival include the Hoop Dance, the Women’s Jungle Dress, the Iroquois Smoke Dance, the Woman’s Fancy Shawl — also called the Butterfly Dance — the Men’s Fancy War, and the Men’s Northern Traditional, also called the War Dance.
More than 40 vendors and booths will showcase the traditional wares of the tribes, as well as offer demonstrations of artistic techniques that have been passed down through the generations.
Authentic cuisine, including buffalo burgers, venison stew, and corn soup, is on the menu, as well as a live bird of prey exhibit, pony rides, and a tipi raising.
Gateway to Nations on June 6 from 10 am to 7 pm and on June 7 and 8 from 11 am to 7 pm. Admission on June 6 is $7 for all; admission on June 7 and 8 is $14 for adults, $8 for seniors and children, and free for children under 5. Parking is free.
Aviator Sports Complex [Floyd Bennett Field, 3159 Flatbush Ave. in Flatbush, (718) 758–7500; www.gateway2014.eventbrite.com].
