Tonawanda Indian Community Building

 If any one place impacted my adolescent years, it was the community building.  One of FDR's projects to provide men jobs during the Depression Era, it continues to serve our people in many capacities.  One of which is a medical and dental clinic for the well-being of community members.

I love the fact that in spite of all the upgrades and renovations the original structure has undergone, one area has been left untouched: the drinking fountain, along with the flooring and paneling of the original front entrance.

I wonder how many little children learned to boost themselves up via the small faucet on the side, independent of being lifted by someone else.

Countless hours were spent playing basketball.  Each of the reservations had their own teams: boys and girls, men and women's.  For us, basketball was not confined to a season.

Of course, the court has been upgraded to include the wampum design on the rail.

Here, copies of paintings done by Ernie Smith decorate the main foyer area of the building.  My husband reminded me of the time when Ernie Smith asked if he could paint a picture of me.  At the time, I had no idea how well-known he was for his paintings.

Dumb me.

The Village People

As long as I can remember, people from each of the six nations reservations make a yearly mecca to the NY State Fair for Indian Day held the last Friday of August.  Around the edge of the Indian village, each of the reservations showcase their crafts, be it drawings, carvings, beadwork, or other.  It's a time for seeking out old friends in the Indian village, celebrating who we are as a nation, and remembering the importance of keeping our culture alive.

During the afternoon, dancers from different reservations compete against each other as they showoff their costumes and footwork.

Young Girls' Smoke Dance Competition

The thrill of the midway still draws the young; but for the rest of us, we are content with taking respite from the heat in the shade of the village grove, watching the dancers and trading gossip like wampum.

Traditional Indian Cornbread

Of course, the cook house is one of the first places we visit.  For those of us who live far from home, native foods are a real treat, especially Indian Corn Bread.

Last, but not least, we can't forget our Indian princess.  This year, the young lady was a Seneca from the Allegheny reserve, and is a member of the Hawk Clan.  That explains her beauty!

And, such are the people of the village.