A Celebration of Culture and Heritage

By Staff Reports

The Ma-Chis Lower Creek Indian Tribe of Alabama recently hosted their annual powwow at their tribal grounds. This vibrant celebration of Native American culture and traditions offered attendees a glimpse into the rich history of the Creek people, also known by their original name Muscogee or Muskogee. 

Tribal Chief James Wright highlighted the powwow’s focus on education, thanking Wiregrass RC&D for the $5,000.00 grant that helped make the pow wow a successful event, attended by over 400 students from Coffee and Covington County schools, Pike Liberal Arts and homeschool associations.

“In total, we welcomed around 2,000 attendees,” Wright said. “Our goal is to teach both kids and adults about the culture and history of this area—things often left out of textbooks. Native Americans evolved to survive and today, we’re not just surviving but thriving and contributing to the community.”

Guests experienced a vibrant taste of Creek traditions, with educational and interactive presentations as well as demonstrations in flint knapping, hide tanning, primitive pottery making, Native American dancing and more. 

Vendors selling handmade items like dreamcatchers, carved wood and carved bone items and Native American jewelry along with many more unique items, provided a chance to take home a piece of Native American craftsmanship.

Various food vendors and other miscellaneous vendors were also on-site. 

Among the demonstrators was ten-year-old Grey Godwin of Brantley, who showcased the art of hide tanning, a skill he learned from his cousin, Ma-Chis tribal citizen Amy Mitchell Daugherty of Dozier. Daugherty, one of the last to grow up in an environment where crafting bows, flint knapping and pottery making were essential daily practices, emphasized the importance of powwows and preserving and passing on these age-old skills and traditions.

“This has always been our way of life,” Daugherty said. “In today’s fast-paced world, I think everyone can benefit from returning to life’s basics. Our tribe is committed to helping people reconnect with what truly matters by teaching young people the old ways and keeping our unique history alive.”

The Head Man for the powwow was Billy Hunt and the Head Lady was Heather Hunt. Eric Cox was the Head Veteran and the event’s Master of Ceremonies was Farron Weeks. Drum music was provided by The White Horse Singers. 

One highlight of the event was a presentation by tribal citizen Haley Mitchell Godwin of Brantley, titled “Echoes of Ancestry: Artifacts and the DNA Dilemma.” Godwin delved into the complexities of Native American genetics and their impact on various health and medical issues. 

Drawing from her family’s experiences and research by Dr. Daniel Hudson, DMD, a specialist in Native American dentistry based in Luverne, Godwin explained how genetic factors influence responses to anesthesia and medical care, posing unique challenges for those with significant Native heritage.

“One of my daughters clearly exhibits Native American traits externally,” Godwin said. “But her full sister’s traits are internal, manifesting in complex bone structures and the absence of a liver enzyme critical for anesthesia effectiveness. You can’t see it outwardly, but I want her to embrace her heritage. I believe everyone should take pride in their heritage, no matter its origins. Our differences allow us to learn and grow and we should celebrate these contrasts even during our powwows.”

Visitors learned about Creek history through artifacts, photos and personal and familial stories shared. 

“My Native American ancestors didn’t live in tepees or wear the beautiful, elaborate attire seen in some regions like with the Plains Indians,” Godwin said. “Southeastern tribes like the Creek often wore turbans or crowns made from animal hide, adorned with feathers or bird wings. Leaders’ headdresses were more elaborate, reflecting their status within the tribe.”

The Crenshaw County Extension office was also on hand with their Skins and Skulls exhibit that allowed visitors to learn about local wildlife through hands-on interaction.

Grand entry ceremonies, featuring dancers led by esteemed elders, took place each day at 10:30 a.m., symbolizing unity and representing the various tribes present.

The powwow showcased a dedicated children’s corner, where young attendees engaged in activities like making corn husk dolls and an “archeological dig” where children were able to search for and take home a reproduction arrowhead, fostering an early appreciation for Native American heritage.

The next powwow will be held in the Fall of 2025, at the tribal grounds located at 2950 County Road 377 in Elba. For more information, visit www.machistribe.com.

Photos by Haley Mitchell Godwin along with submitted photos.