The annual spring powwow at Ontelaunee Park, Lynn Township, combined duty, intertribal and traditional dances for a colorful afternoon.

"It is an honor to be here, Many Colors said. "We'll have a lot of fun today and tomorrow."

His name, shortened from a translation meaning "Together in one place at one time," was given to him to speak to people of every color and every nation.

He is a carpenter, but the powwows are what is important to him. This is what he will be judged on, later on.

He says his job is to build a bridge of understanding, as powwows are to educate.

The regalia they wear are priceless. Some items are passed down through generations. Others are handmade.

"It is ceremonial, so please do not touch," Many Colors told the audience. "Some people consider it a costume and think they can touch it because the people are just performers.

"We give thanks for our food. It is not a religion but a way of life."

He said anyone taking photos should ask first and be respectful.

The first songs are the duties, with the veterans honoring, the Grand Entry to give thanks to the elders and craftsmen who help support the powwow and the flag song, he explained.

"The people are not here to make a profit," Many Colors said. "We work all year to bring it together.

"To the drummers who learned the old songs, there are years of work in learning drumming and singing.

"Thanks to all of you human beings. Do not leave here with an unanswered question. We want you to have the full experience."

People are usually asked not to take pictures during the three duty songs, but a lot of family members from the area were involved with the veterans and Grand Entry songs. Pictures were allowed at this point but not at the flag song.

Many Colors said Indian life was semi-nomadic because in fall and winter they would move to a protected area where hunting was good. In the spring they would move to an open area, such as the river flats.

"When the dogwood blooms it is time to plant," he said.

There were no lawn mowers so when a tribe moved to a new area the Ojibway would stamp down the grass in the camping area so poisonous snakes would not catch anyone by surprise.

The grass dancers, who were young and energetic, performed this duty.

Joey Stark in brilliant regalia of red and yellow, went through the grass with tassels on his pants and his hands to give snakes something to strike at. Later, he was joined by a second grass dancer.

Veterans with their flags from each military service, the POW/MIA flag, a We Support Our Troops flag, and several others led the veterans song. They were joined by the senior men dancers, then women and finally the young men and women for the Grand Entry.

The flag song was sung, not played on a drum. The veterans posted the flags around the dance circle.

An honoring song was for everyone who was a veteran.

"You will be welcomed here or you can dance for someone who is serving," Many Colors said. "We thank them all, those who answered the call and men and women who paid the price."

The head man and woman were then introduced.

The woman was Diane Hummingbird Woman. The man was Edward Elk Song.

Head dancers are responsible for leading dancers into the circle, mentoring the young people and making sure their regalia is proper.

"I dance for someone, so my dance is a prayer," Hummingbird Woman said.

She was dancing for a friend who died the previous week.

Edward Elk Song said he prays for everyone so they may appreciate each other.

During a woman's traditional dance, the men stand at the edges of the circle to honor the woman as they move through their slow, stately steps.

Many Colors said most of the 500 tribes are matriarchal.

If there was a major difference, the women would discuss it and carry the decision to a war chief.

At a powwow, one of the duties in the men's traditional dance is to let others know in a respectful way there is someone outstanding with them.

John Tate, chief of the Eastern Delaware Nation, attended the powwow.

The men's traditional dance takes three forms: an Oklahoma straight dance, the duck and dive, and sneak up dance.

The men began with the duck and dive, then moved on to the sneak up.

The women stood around the circle as the men did for them before.

A candy dance took place for the young children in the manner of the candy scramble, but first they chose to do a snake dance.

They faced the outside of the circle and had to have a pleasant expression, so they could change the world.

At one time, some archeologists dug up some artifacts and took them to the museum in Harrisburg.

When Indians asked why, the museum said it was so they could learn about the people who lived here.

"We're still here and will tell you about us," they replied.

"We live in the most throw-away society," Many Colors said. "When archeologists dig us up in 400 years, what will they think of us?

"Who is going to look at these children? Who is willing to keep things nice for the next seven generation?

"This land belongs to the children and to their children."