ALLEGANY TERRITORY — Organizers of the Marvin “Joe” Curry Veterans Powwow announced they were cancelling the 2021 event due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The powwow was an annual event with a thirty year history prior to being cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic and again this year for the same reason.
“We had been hopeful to invite our family and friends from across Indian Country back to the Allegany Territory this year, but we feel that it is in everyone’s best interests to instead focus on 2022,” said Seneca Nation Councillor Tina Abrams, co-chair of the powwow committee.
The yearly event honours the memory of all indigenous veterans and is named after Marvin “Joe” Curry, Seneca Snipe Clan, who was a Navy veteran serving in both the Korean War and Vietnam.
In a statement the powwow committee acknowledged the importance of powwows coming back after the devastation the COVID-19 pandemic has had across indigenous communities.
“The powwow is about community and coming together,” Abrams said. “For Native communities, the dancing, the drums, the songs and the culture bind us together. Being able to celebrate with one another and with our neighbors in the local community is especially meaningful. We’re looking forward to a long awaited reunion and celebration next year.”
