ONSLOW VETERANS POW WOW

We are seeking sponsorship for the Onslow Veterans Pow Wow, an event that celebrates Native American culture and pays tribute to our military heroes. Your support will help us continue to provide this valuable experience to the military community. Native Americans have a high military service rate, but struggle to maintain their cultural practices due to the lack of Native American events near military bases. This presents a challenge for them to uphold their traditions while serving. The Onslow Veterans Pow Wow aims to offer a platform for indigenous service members stationed at military bases in North Carolina to engage in their cultural traditions. This event provides a unique opportunity for these individuals to connect with and celebrate their heritage, which may otherwise be limited. Retired Marine Corps Sergeant Major Raquel Painter established the Onslow Veterans Pow Wow to provide active duty Native American service members with an opportunity to celebrate and showcase their cultural heritage. Throughout her 26-year tenure in the Marine Corps, she was seldom able to participate in cultural festivities due to deployments and other military responsibilities. Situated outside the gates of the largest Marine Corps base on the East Coast and within a 1.5-hour radius of the largest Army base, the pow wow is conveniently accessible to military personnel. The Onslow Veterans Pow Wow serves to provide a cultural experience for residents of Onslow County, and adjoining communities to observe, participate, and learn from a broad representation of Native American tribes while honoring the sacrifices of our military. The Onslow Veterans Pow Wow has expanded beyond its original purpose, offering the community a unique opportunity to engage with Native Culture firsthand. This event fosters a greater understanding of and appreciation for diversity within the community, creating an enriched and inclusive environment for all to
experience. Last year, 7,800 spectators attended the event, and we anticipate surpassing that number this year. This event is free for all participants to include our military, spectators, dancers, singers and nonprofit vendors. The powwow committee is able to provide this free community event because of donors like you. Thank you for considering our request of $5,000 to help us showcase Native American culture for our military personnel and community members.

The Onslow Veterans Pow Wow, now in its fourth year, takes place during the first weekend of November to honor both Native American Heritage Month and Veteran's Day. Corporate partners are recognized according to the sponsorship level.