2020 Brooksville Native American Festival

The Brooksville Native American Festival welcomed dancers, demonstrators, and families

All wishing to join in a weekend of culture and appreciation. The sounds of traditional and contemporary Native American music and dance filled the soundscape of Florida Classic Park.

This is the 7th annual weekend of authentic and family fun cultural activities. The event’s mission is to provide an engaging learning and entertainment experience for all age ranges to take a hand on experience with.

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Activities ranged from learning how to build a fire, to traditional drum beat music that date back generations. Authentic Native arts and crafts were also highlighted in the vendors marketplace. Craftsmen displayed and sold their paintings, dream catchers, and jewelry. Their work represented the craft and tradition of over two dozen tribes, as many vendors travelled from across the country to participate in the event.

Needing a Weekend Away from Home?

Guests were able to camp out for the weekend with an RV or tent camping pass. However, guests were also able to purchase a discounted two day pass that allowed access for the entire weekend even if they were unable to camp out. A nearby hotel offered accommodations for guests who were not able to camp.

The event stresses the idea of avoiding appropriation of the Native American culture by urging guests to not wear headdresses or costumes. “While we know some people believe that this is the way to honor Native Americans, it is in fact the opposite. What Natives wear is not a costume, it is an important part of the culture so please respect our wishes,” the event’s website says.

Shelley Morningsong and Fabian Fontenelle returned this year to perform, once again capturing the essence of honoring tradition without appropriation. Performing in what is considered the highlight of the weekend, the two bring their individual talents of songwriting and dance performance together to demonstrate the spirit of traditional native performance.

Check out our gallery, as we attempt to capture the authenticity and culture shown throughout the weekend at the Brooksville Native American Festival.

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