Daniel "Firehawk" Abbott drew deeply on his traditional Native American stone table pipe, paused, then exhaled, allowing the smoke to linger near his face. With his free hand, he swept the sweet smoke over his face and back across his long grey hair.
After thanking the audience for their patience, Abbott went on to demonstrate other parts of Native American culture and life. He had traveled from the Eastern Shore to lecture the crowd on Native American life skills as a part of Prince George's County's inaugural American Indian Festival, held Saturday at the Patuxent River 4-H Center in Upper Marlboro.
Event organizer Karen Marshall said she was inspired to hold the event when she realized there was nothing quite like it in the area.
"These cultures have, in some cases, been totally lost. There's so much beautiful art, culture and heritage to show," Marshall said. The festival, which contained several exhibits similar to Abbott's, displayed Native American artifacts, tools, clothes and artwork.
The event was the first event of its kind in Prince George's County. The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission decided it was timely to hold the festival during National Native American Heritage Month. Officials with the 4-H Center estimated that 1,000 people attended.
According to U.S. Census Bureau population estimates, there are 2,797 Native Americans and Alaskan Natives living in the county.
During his presentation, Abbott explained that he was smoking a natural blend of tobacco and herbs containing the four "directions," otherwise known as the four sacred herbs: tobacco, sage, sweet grass, and cedar.
By itself, tobacco is a highly addictive substance, but when blended with other natural products, Abbott said pipe smoke was often used for ceremonial and medicinal purposes.
Though Native Americans warned the original European settlers of the addictive properties of tobacco, they didn't listen, and "were hooked instantly," Abbott said.
"We kind of had the last laugh on the white man, didn't we," he joked.
Cynthia "Twohawk" Sharer, who travels with Abbott and has her own display of Native American artifacts, said events honoring native tribes are important throughout Maryland.
"There are still plenty of Native Americans, who are tribal-affiliated and family-affiliated, that maintain Indian culture today," Sharer said.
The event was a popular spot for young Cub Scouts. Bowie resident Tyrome Smith brought his two sons to help fulfill the "Go See It" scout requirements, by participating in activities with other scouts in their troop to earn totems for their Tiger Badge.
Smith's son Jeremiah went to interactive displays that allowed him to try his luck at archery and go canoeing.
"We're coming out to take some pictures and get out in the open," Tyrome Smith said.
At the main stage, the Black Bear Singers, a group of three musicians, performed a drum beat, and master of ceremonies Michael Nephew honored the veterans in attendance, and then led anyone who would join him in the dance.
Nephew has acted as a master of ceremonies at powwows throughout Maryland, and while this particular event was too small to be considered a real powwow, which has many dancers, he sees potential in what park officials hope will become an annual event.
Marshall and Nephew said they hope next year's event can be held as a traditional powwow.
"This is an absolutely beautiful area," Nephew said. "I'm already looking forward to what we can pull together next year."
