2024 Dauphin Island Native American Experience

Saturday June 15 @ 9 AM – 5PM at Historic Fort Gaines

Mark your calendar for a day filled with cultural richness! Explore traditional Native American culture and history with tribal members from the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, Mississippi Choctaw Band of Indians, Florida Seminole Tribe, and more. Experience social dancing, singing, chanting, storytelling, canoe carving, pottery-making, bead work, stickball, and witness traditional Native American clothing.

Admission:

• Ages 13 and older: $13
• Ages 5-12: $7
• Ages 4 and younger: Free

Your ticket includes a self-guided tour of Fort Gaines and the immersive Native American Experience.

Visitors can explore a diverse array of exhibits and engage in interactive activities, providing enriching learning opportunities for all. Such as:

• Poarch Creek Band of Indians
  • Engage in an immersive experience with an interactive stickball demonstration led by Gregory McGhee and other skilled members of the tribe, and receive a firsthand glimpse into the athleticism, strategy, and cultural significance of this ancient sport.
  • Explore a diverse collection of items in a cultural exhibit curated by the Poarch Creek Band of Indians featuring traditional arts and artifacts, providing fascinating insight into the history, traditions, and contemporary life of the Poarch Creek people.
• Seminole Tribe of Florida
  • Witness master craftsman Daniel Tommie actively carving a canoe, a process that highlights the Seminole Tribe's deep connection to the land and their expertise in traditional woodworking techniques. As visitors observe the intricate carving and shaping of the canoe, they'll gain insights into the craftsmanship, cultural significance, and practical applications of this traditional Seminole art form.
• Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians
  • Experience the Mystic Wind Chahta Social Dancers led by William Dan Isaac. Through intricate footwork, vibrant regalia, and lively music, the dancers offer a captivating glimpse into Choctaw social traditions, community values, and cultural expression.
  • Delve into the tribe's rich history with History Keeper and Tribal Elder Carman Denson, learning valuable insights into Choctaw culture and heritage.
• Other presenters:
  • Engage in hands-on pottery with Southeastern pottery expert Tammie Beane as she shares her expertise and passion for preserving and revitalizing this ancient art form.
  • View selected pieces of traditional Creek clothing and dress with Creek clothing expert Doug Rodgers, gaining a deeper understanding of the cultural significance, symbolism, and craftsmanship behind Creek textiles.
  • Attend an exhibit of a Creek Hunting Camp with knowledgeable guide Farris Powell, who provides a comprehensive overview of Creek hunting practices, tools, and traditions for a glimpse into Creek hunting traditions and survival skills.

This event is sponsored by a grant from the Alabama State Council on the Arts, and by Mobile Bay National Estuary Program and Mobile County Commission.

*Note: Tickets are nonrefundable. Event will be held rain or shine.