ANDERSON – The inaugural Andersontown PowWow and Indian Market on the banks of the White River will attract people from all over the country in a celebration of the Native American heritage, and the September 11 and 12 festival will be held near the original Chief Anderson settlement in Anderson. As many as five of Chief Anderson’s descendants are scheduled to attend or participate.

Event goers will have the chance to share and experience the history and traditions of Native American art and culture, as well as dancing, music, and storytelling in the two-day event. The Indian Market will feature a juried art show, and there will be authentic, handmade Native American art for sale, including jewelry, pottery, sculptures, paintings, baskets and textiles.

One highlight of the weekend is the performance of Native American flutist Douglas Blue Feather of Dayton.

Blue Feather, a Cherokee, is an award winning songwriter, recording artist and performer of contemporary and traditional Native American flute music. A two time Native American Music Award winner, Blue Feather has released four CDs of original music, which have been featured on radio stations around the world.

Another highlight is the range of competitive and open dancing for such categories as Tiny Tots, Junior Boys and Girls, Men, Women and Senior Women.

Delaware Indians Annette and Dee Ketchum of Bartlesville, Okla., will also participate in the festivities. Annette has made Indian culture presentations for 20 years in Oklahoma and is a member of the Bartlesville Indian Women’s Club. She is the 2004 History Maker of the Year, as named by the Women’s Network.

Her husband Dee Ketchum grew up in Bartlesville and was the understudy to the Delaware Ceremonial Chief, the late Leonard Thompson, for 15 years, learning the ceremonies, songs and dances of the tribe.

Terry Adams (Osage) of Tulsa, Okla., will serve as master of ceremonies and Vann Big Horse of Pawhuska, Okla., has been named head singer.

Festival goers will also be able to taste Native American fry bread, Indian tacos, buffalo burgers and Midwestern fair food.

The festival will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Advance tickets are $4 for adults, $2 for children ages 5-12. Children under 5 are admitted free.