MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WBOY) — The Appalachian American Indians of West Virginia welcomed the public to their annual Pow Wow this weekend at Camp Mountaineer, drawing families from across the region to celebrate Native culture, tradition, and community.

The two-day gathering was family-oriented and offered an immersive experience into the sights and sounds of Native heritage. Attendees enjoyed traditional drumming, singing and dancing in the pow wow circle, where dancers in regalia moved to the beat of the drum often called the “heartbeat of Mother Earth.”

Chief of Appalachian American Indians of West Virginia Melissa Charlton-Smith was happy to participate.

"It's about sharing, sharing our culture, sharing our songs, sharing our dance, and our arts and our crafts. We have crafting goods an

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