EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Team Eglin kicked off its Native American Indian Heritage Month celebration with the 36th Annual Thunderbird Intertribal Powwow at the Niceville Festival Grounds Nov. 1-3.

The event also began the special observance's activities for surrounding bases and local communities.  It recognizes intertribal cultures and educates the public about the heritage, history, art, and traditions of the American Indian and Alaska Native people.

The Thunderbird Intertribal Powwow is the largest and longest running Air Force-sponsored powwow.  It featured authentic Native American drummers, singers, dancers, story tellers, craft makers and more.  The event brings tribal representatives from across the U.S. together to share Native American Indian culture with attendees.

“We always enjoy the opportunity to share our culture with the Eglin community,”  said Kirby Locklear, Thunderbird International Powwow chairman and a Lumbee Tribe member.  “Indian tribes from all over the country are represented here.  They bring their own unique culture, colors, beadwork and more, significant to that tribe’s history.”

Brig. Gen. Mark Massaro, 96th Test Wing commander, spoke at the event.

“We come together to celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures that have graced this land for countless generations,” he said.  “We honor the enduring legacies of the indigenous peoples who have shaped and continue to influence our military and our world in profound ways.”    

For more information, call (850) 863-5311.