Amelia Schafer
ICT

Seventeen Indigenous performers are scheduled to take the stage Saturday night at the National Mall in Washington D.C. The performances, organized by Freedom 250, are part of a lineup of events celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. 

Louis Campbell poses for a photo in his mens Northern Traditional Regalia. Campbell is part of a group of 17 Indigenous people who will perform at the “Salute to America” event on July 4 at the National Mall. Credit: Courtesy of Louis Campbell

The performers, including several powwow dancers and two drum groups, will perform two songs around 8:40 p.m. Eastern Time following a performance by musical act Lynyrd Skynyrd. The performance will last approximately four minutes and 15 seconds and will feature singing by the Thunder Boy Singers and the Cozad Singers, both of which are based in Oklahoma. 

“I was definitely drawn (to perform) to represent our people,” said Louis Campbell, a citizen of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina and a men’s Northern Traditional dancer. “I’m proud of who we are and I think we should have a voice in our community and we should be seen just like anybody else.” 

Performers were contacted by Freedom 250, the group responsible for organizing the commemoration events in the nation’s capital, around a week ago, said Craig Marbin, who is Awkwesasne Mohawk and member of the U.S. Navy stationed in Washington D.C.

Craig Marbin pictured carried a Mohawk Code Talkers Eagle Staff. Marbin is part of a group of 17 Indigenous people performing at the National Mall on July 4 for the “Salute to America” event. Credit: Courtesy of Craig Marbin

“My uncle was a World War II Mohawk code talker, so for part of the show I’m carrying the Mohawk Code Talker’s Eagle Staff and I’m doing it to honor my relatives that were in the military and served,” Marbin said.” 

Earlier this year several other Indigenous dancers were asked to perform but ultimately declined, with some citing political differences with the Trump administration. Freedom 250 was created by the administration and Trump is scheduled to be present for the celebration. 

Several of the events planned by Freedom 250 to celebrate the United State’s 250th Birthday have been subject to numerous cancellations. 

AMERICA 250: ‘We have a community to answer to’

Marbin and Campbell said their decision to perform was heavily influenced by the opportunity it provided to showcase Indigenous culture to the nation and world. 

“I just looked at it as another performance,” Marbin said. “I’m very excited, just because I get to represent all of the Haudenosaunee people and our style of regalia and carry our code talker’s Eagle Staff. … I think it’s going to expose Native culture to thousands of people around the world who probably don’t see it on a daily basis like we do or experience it. I think it’s going to be a great opportunity.” 

Amelia Schafer is ICT's North Central Correspondent based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Schafer covers MMIP, Indian Gaming and business for ICT. She is of Wampanoag and Montauk-Brothertown Indian Nation descent....