America's Native Nations come to Fort Niagara

Old Fort Niagara will host its first smoke dance competition, Native Nations at Niagara, on Saturday, May 13.

A press release stated, “The smoke dance was originally an Indigenous war dance, primarily danced by men, but has expanded within competition dance to include and highlight female dancers.

“Old Fort Niagara will be welcoming local and nationwide competitors to dance throughout the day.”

Visitors will be able to watch as dancers compete for prizes; learn about traditional and historic Native regalia; and talk to Fort Niagara’s interpretive staff about the connection that Fort Niagara has to the Haudenosaunee, and other Native communities during the site’s almost 300-year history. Visitors will also be able to peruse a variety of native craftsmen, artisans and food vendors.

The press release added, “Old Fort Niagara would like to stress our gratitude to the participants and visitors for facilitating the sharing of Native cultures and knowledge. These perspectives have historically been overlooked and undervalued, and we look forward to continued collaboration with our local Indigenous communities to reinforce the importance of the Haudenosaunee’s historical presence at the Fort.

“This event was made possible by the Museum Association of New York and our generous donors.”