"The North American Iroquois Veterans' Association 6th annual Pow Wow"

For the 6th year the North American Iroquois Veterans' Association (N.A.I.V.A.) hosted their annual Pow Wow at Veteran's Park in Salamanca, New York this past weekend.

The event was a combination of sponsored events by the City of Salamanca, and The Seneca Nation. The City of Salamanca's Mayor, Carmen Vecchiarella and President of the Seneca Nation, Mike Schindler welcomed the visitors.

Jack Johnson, President of NAILVA and Chairman of the Pow Wow was given the key to the city of Salamanca by Mayor Vecchiarella for his tireless effort to his commitments.

The Pow Wow attracted people from all direction of United States and Canada. All agreed the weather was as good as the food.

Master of Ceremonies, Seneca Nation, Bill Crouse introduced the Oneida Vietnam Veterans and The Oneida Women's Veterans and their Color Guard. The Veteran Dancer/Invocation, Clayton Logan, Seneca Nation. Head Female Dancer, Evelyn George, Seneca Nation and Head Male Dancer, Gene Reid, Mohawk Nation.

Each year a Veteran is selected from one of the Iroquois Nation for a special dedication. Staff Sergeant, Wilbur Curry Jr., from the Seneca Nation and H 4 was selected as this year's honoree and his family was presented with a portrait of Sergeant Wilbur Curry Jr., painted by Burt Anderson, WWII Flight Sgt., Cayuga Nation.

Staff Sergeant, Curry enlisted in the United States Army and served in Korea and Vietnam. In November of 1965 he succumbed to enemy fire in the Battle of IA Trang Valley, Vietnam, at his side was Lt., Dennis Deal, who brought a special gift to Sgt., Curry's family and gave an eloquent message to the family and audience that touched the heart of those who were present.

The Smoke Dance competition always the highlight of the Pow Wow once again entertained their audience.

New, this year was a "scone contest" and the prize went to Jean Doolittle, Family Traditions, a business on Six Nations.

The NAIVA consider one of their biggest challenges to be a continuation of awareness of the female and male Iroquois Veterans, and their sacrifices they made to ensure the continued gift of life for all people.