🎭 Native American Cultural Celebration Comes to Soddy-Daisy This October

The Woodlands Educational Initiative in Soddy-Daisy is hosting a three-day Native American Cultural Celebration October 16-18, 2026, bringing storytelling, workshops, performances, and Pow Wow dancing to the community. Southern Sips & Sandwiches will be on-site throughout the event, serving food to visitors attending the gathering.

📅 What’s Happening Each Day

Friday, October 16, is designated as a school day program, opening at 10:00 AM with a living history presentation followed by storytelling from Mrs. Tonya Dockery at 11:30 AM. ✨ A native bead workshop runs from 1:00-3:00 PM and requires registration. Lunch and presentations are scheduled for 12:15 PM.

Saturday, October 17, expands the celebration with a full day of cultural programming. 🥁 The day begins at 10:00 AM with a greeting and opening ceremony, followed by storytelling at 10:30 AM. At noon, the Pow Wow begins with War Paint as the host drum-all dancers are welcome to participate. The WCU Cherokee Choir performs at 1:00 PM and again at 4:00 PM, with Cherokee storytelling from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) at 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM. Pow Wow dancing takes place from 3:00-3:45 PM, and the day closes with a removal of the colors ceremony at 6:00 PM.

Sunday, October 18, offers a more intimate conclusion. 🙏 An outdoor service featuring Cherokee hymns runs from 10:30 AM to noon, followed by lunch at 12:00 PM. The celebration closes at 3:00 PM.

🎨 Why This Matters for the Community

Cultural celebrations like this one create opportunities for residents across the Sequatchie Valley and surrounding areas to learn directly from Native American storytellers, artists, and performers. The inclusion of workshops, choir performances, and interactive Pow Wow dancing makes the event accessible to families, students, and adults seeking authentic cultural education and connection.

The partnership between Woodlands Educational Initiative and local businesses like Southern Sips & Sandwiches shows how community organizations and local food vendors can work together to support meaningful events. 🤝 Attendees can enjoy food and refreshment while participating in the full three-day program.

📍 Location and Details

The Native American Cultural Celebration takes place at Woodlands Educational Initiative, 9966 Lovell Rd., Soddy-Daisy. The native bead workshop on Friday requires advance registration. For more information, visit www.woodlandsgathering.org