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Message GREEN CORNUNITY FESTIVAL 2025 ALLENDALE, SCUSC SALKEHATCHIE CAMPUS465 JAMES BRANDT BLVDALLENDALE, SCMAY 9TH -11THDIGITAL PAMPHLET GUIDEChanging the Narrative - Highlighting Forgotten History
TABLE OF CONTENTSWelcome About The TribeTribal LandWho Are You?Meet the Green Corn CommitteeMeet the Head StaffPowwow 101 | EtiquetteWords You Might Have HeardSponsorship AdsSpecial ThanksFood VendorsVendors ListIn Memoriam Itinerary
WELCOME ANDACKNOWLEDGMENT Chéhuntámo? (How are you?) friends and honoredguests. As we gather to celebrate a sacred time for ourpeople, we also stand on the sacred grounds that havenurtured the Yamassee people for generations. We arereminded of the bonds that connect us to this land andto each other. In the spirit of unity and respect, we acknowledge ourshared responsibility to honor these lands and thelegacy of those who walked here before us. May ourtime together be marked by deep listening,understanding, and a shared commitment topreserving the heritage and wisdom of our ancestors.Let us move forward with a caring energy, mindful ofthe wisdom that binds us across time and space.Chief Se’khu Hadjo GentleMēkkō (Chief) Se’khu Hadjo GentleHead Chief of The Yamassee Indian Tribe of Seminoles / The Yamassee Nation
ABOUT THE TRIBEThe Yamassee Indian Tribe has a rich and complex history that spanscenturies. Historically, our tribe has been recognized for its resilience,cultural richness, and contributions to the tapestry of Indigenous societiesin what is now the Southeastern United States.We’re historically known for the “Yamassee War” of 1715. After the war, we became known as Seminoles (Seminoli), which in ourIndian language means “Runaway.”Unfortunately, the term “Negro” has been used historically to refer toIndigenous peoples, including Yamassee. The use of this term is often basedon misunderstanding, misrepresentation, or intentional attempts to eraseand marginalize Indigenous identities. However, hundreds of years ago, theterm was used to refer to Indians of dark skin who were enslaved.www.yamasseenation.org
TRIBAL LANDwww.yamasseenation.org1707 Yamassee Land SettlementIn 1707 a pivotal moment came with the formation of theYamassee Land Settlement , in the form of a SouthCarolina Statute, a historic agreement that set asideterritory specifically for the tribe's use and occupation.Facing encroachment from European settlers andincreasing pressure on their traditional lands, theYamassee leaders, guided by wisdom and foresight,engaged in negotiations with colonial authorities.Through determination and diplomacy, theysucceeded.This settlement was not just a legal document; itrepresented the culmination of generations of struggleand resilience. It was a testament to the strength anddetermination of the Yamassee people to preserve theirheritage and protect their ancestral lands for futuregenerations.As the Yamassee Tribe continues its journey into thefuture, the legacy of the 1707 South Carolina Statute atLarge remains a cornerstone of their identity—a symbolof their enduring connection to the land and theirunwavering commitment to sovereignty and self-determination.Do you know the Land you are standing on is one of the firstreservations set aside for the Yamassee Indians? And still considered a Reservation!
WHO ARE YOU?This entire area was Indian land and most of the peoplehere, especially the Indians, were put into slavery becauseof their skin colors and complexions. However, many of thecolonists married and even had children with our tribalancestors. Unity is key because you never know, you may bea distant cousin to our tribe and people. Many of the peoplein the Low Country have indigenous blood but have beenmisidentified as “black” or even “white.”Were you told that Grandma was Indian?www.yamasseenation.org
MEET THE GREEN CORN COMMITTEEMEET THE GREEN CORN COMMITTEEwww.yamasseenation.orgEARTH HADJOEARTH HADJO PAZANTA HICKS BYARSPAZANTA HICKS BYARSLIDA ‘SUTI’ PALMERLIDA ‘SUTI’ PALMERMARCELLUS‘YVHOLV’FORDMARCELLUS‘YVHOLV’FORDMARQUITTA GENTLEMARQUITTA GENTLECHRIS‘STRONGHORSE’THOMASCHRIS‘STRONGHORSE’THOMASAPRIL BROWNAPRIL BROWNMIKE ‘KOWIE CHOBI’ EPPSMIKE ‘KOWIE CHOBI’ EPPSSARAH MOJECKISARAH MOJECKI TERRELL ANQUOETERRELL ANQUOE
MEET THE HEAD STAFFMEET THE HEAD STAFFwww.yamasseenation.orgGREY CLOUD SINGERSGREY CLOUD SINGERSJOSEE MOOREJR HEAD LADYJOSEE MOOREJR HEAD LADYOLIN MORGANHEAD VETERANOLIN MORGANHEAD VETERANBILLY KIPPEMCEEBILLY KIPPEMCEEALVIE COLLINSJR HEAD MANALVIE COLLINSJR HEAD MANALEX GILBERTJR. HEAD MANALEX GILBERTJR. HEAD MANREATHER VENABLEHEAD LADYREATHER VENABLEHEAD LADY TONY ‘CAP’ YOUNG ARENA DIRECTOR TONY ‘CAP’ YOUNG ARENA DIRECTORMARCELLUS ‘YVHOLV’ FORDHEAD MANMARCELLUS ‘YVHOLV’ FORDHEAD MAN
POWWOW 101 - ETIQUETTEPOWWOW 101 - ETIQUETTENative American Pow Wows are social events. They should be fun – see beautiful regalia and breathtaking performances, as well as reunite with old friends and meet new ones –but, keep in mind that Pow Wows are also culturalevents infused with tradition.www.yamasseenation.org
www.yamasseenation.orgEMCEEThis is the Master of Ceremonies. He is the keeper of all information that is important.DRUMThis is the drum group, the players of thebeautiful music heard at the Pow Wow.HEAD FEMALE & MALE DANCERSThese highly revered dancers will be theones to start each song or set of songs.SPONSORING GROUPThis is the Tribal group responsible for the Pow Wow.
www.yamasseenation.orgNot every Pow Wow on the Pow Wow Trail isgoing to be the same. Different groups willhave different customs, beliefs, and ways ofdoing things…after all, this is a vibrant, livingculture that has evolved over time andsurvived many challenges. Respect thesedifferences and embrace them.The Emcee will let you know the protocol foreach dance, keep you entertained, and be thego-to person for any questions.Drugs, alcohol, and weaponsare forbidden.LISTEN TO THE EMCEEHonor the protocol ofthe sponsoring group
www.yamasseenation.orgDON’T SIT ON THE HAY BALES, BENCHES, OR CHAIRS AROUND THE POW WOW SPACE.Unless, of course, you are given permission by the staffor Emcee. These are typically reserved for dancers.BRING SOMETHING TO SIT ONPublic seating is not always available for guests (think lawn chair).BE POLITE AND AWARE OF WHERE YOU SET UP YOUR CHAIRGuests typically set up their seating area behind theperformers, but it is good practice to ask permission from the dancer (just in case he or she is reserving the space for a family)
LET RESPECT BE YOUR GUIDEJOIN IN SOCIAL DANCES AND HAVE FUN!During social dances, you are welcome to joinin and dance your heart out, but when notdancing, be quiet and respect the space.SHOW RESPECT FOR SPECIAL SONGS It is customary to stand quietly and removeyour hat when special songs are played –these songs include Grand Entry, Flag Songs,Veteran Songs, Memorial Songs, and PrayerSongs. Again, listen to the Emcee – he willannounce these songs and any others thatrequire a special level of respect.www.yamasseenation.org
GET THE OKAY TO TAKE A DANCER’S PHOTOGRAPHThis can be a very sensitive issue and may makesome dancers uncomfortable, so just be sure toask before you shoot (this includes video aswell). The Emcee will also let you know ifphotography is not allowed during any part ofthe Pow Wow.ASK PERMISSION TO RECORD SONGSAs some songs heard at a Pow Wow may besacred, it is best to ask the Head Singer of aDrum and the Emcee for permission first. Eventhough many songs may be okay to record, beaware that specific songs may not be recorded.www.yamasseenation.org
www.yamasseenation.orgGIVE TO THE DRUM During a designated song or dance, it is customaryto donate money to the Drum as a sign ofappreciation for the beautiful songs they bring.IF YOU FIND AN EAGLE FEATHER ON THE GROUND,DO NOT PICK IT UPIf you find a fallen Eagle Feather, do not touch itor pick it up – a special ceremony will need to beperformed. What you can do is stand next to thefeather and guard it while notifying a member ofthe Pow Wow staff. Please note thatphotographing or recording the ceremony forrecovering a fallen Eagle Feather is strictlyforbidden.
www.yamasseenation.orgSHOW RESPECT FOR THE DANCER’S REGALIAYes, the regalia and dancers may look likeliving sculptures that you would love totouch, but remember they are people anddeserve to be treated with the same respectas you expect from others…if you feel itrude for a stranger to touch your attire,please don’t touch theirs.DO NOT TOUCH THE DANCER’S REGALIAFrom their clothing to their jewelry andaccessories, many of these items may beancient family heirlooms. They are fragile,sacred, and irreplaceable. If a dancer dropsany piece or part of their regalia, do notpick it up, please notify the Pow Wow stafffor assistance.
RESPECT THE NATIVE CULTURESome spiritually significant pieces are reservedonly for those who are qualified to wear them –real Eagle Feathers, the insignia of certainsocieties, and even veterans' colors.PLEASE DO NOT POINTJust like your mom always told you, pointing atpeople is impolite. Use your eyes to directattention to a specific person or area, or give anod of the head.RESPECT WILL BE YOUR GUIDING LIGHTIf you don’t remember anything else, rememberthis and most of the time it will help you makethe right choice. Just show respect for everyone– whether they be Non-Native or Native, childrenor adults, performers or guests, revered Elders ora first-timer – and you’ll be fine.www.yamasseenation.org
THE TOWN OF YEMASSEE(IN THE 1950’S THE WORD YAMASSEE WAS CHANGED TO YEMASSSEE)(IN THE 1950’S THE WORD YAMASSEE WAS CHANGED TO YEMASSSEE)(IN THE 1950’S THE WORD YAMASSEE WAS CHANGED TO YEMASSSEE)IN OUR LANGUAGE THE (A) IS PRONOUNCED LIKE FATHER ANDIN OUR LANGUAGE THE (A) IS PRONOUNCED LIKE FATHER ANDIN OUR LANGUAGE THE (A) IS PRONOUNCED LIKE FATHER ANDYAMASSEE IS SAID TO MEAN “GENTLE” ACCORDING TO THE CATAWBA.YAMASSEE IS SAID TO MEAN “GENTLE” ACCORDING TO THE CATAWBA.YAMASSEE IS SAID TO MEAN “GENTLE” ACCORDING TO THE CATAWBA. POCATALIGOWE SAY : POO-KA-TE-LEE-KOOWE SAY : POO-KA-TE-LEE-KOOWE SAY : POO-KA-TE-LEE-KOO POCATALIGO WAS THE NAME OF A UPPER YAMASSEE INDIAN VILLAGE.POCATALIGO WAS THE NAME OF A UPPER YAMASSEE INDIAN VILLAGE.POCATALIGO WAS THE NAME OF A UPPER YAMASSEE INDIAN VILLAGE.IT WAS A TRADING PLACE FOR OUR PEOPLE , AND IS THE NAME OF OURIT WAS A TRADING PLACE FOR OUR PEOPLE , AND IS THE NAME OF OURIT WAS A TRADING PLACE FOR OUR PEOPLE , AND IS THE NAME OF OURRESERVATION TODAY IN THE LOW COUNTRY.RESERVATION TODAY IN THE LOW COUNTRY.RESERVATION TODAY IN THE LOW COUNTRY. SALKEHATCHIE WE SAY :SAL-KE-HAAT-CHEEWE SAY :SAL-KE-HAAT-CHEEWE SAY :SAL-KE-HAAT-CHEE IN OUR LANGUAGE CALLED HITCHITI IT MEANSIN OUR LANGUAGE CALLED HITCHITI IT MEANSIN OUR LANGUAGE CALLED HITCHITI IT MEANS (DARK STREAM OR WATER)(DARK STREAM OR WATER)(DARK STREAM OR WATER)IT WAS ALSO A VILLAGE WHERE WE KEPT OUR WOMAN, CHILDREN ANDIT WAS ALSO A VILLAGE WHERE WE KEPT OUR WOMAN, CHILDREN ANDIT WAS ALSO A VILLAGE WHERE WE KEPT OUR WOMAN, CHILDREN ANDELDERS DURING TIMES OF WAR. IT ALSO WAS CLOSE TO A CREEK.ELDERS DURING TIMES OF WAR. IT ALSO WAS CLOSE TO A CREEK.ELDERS DURING TIMES OF WAR. IT ALSO WAS CLOSE TO A CREEK. WHALE BRANCHWE SAY : WHA-LEEWE SAY : WHA-LEEWE SAY : WHA-LEE MANY PEOPLE SAY THE WHALE BUT THIS WAS A NAMEMANY PEOPLE SAY THE WHALE BUT THIS WAS A NAMEMANY PEOPLE SAY THE WHALE BUT THIS WAS A NAME FOR OUR PEOPLE SPELLED GUALE, THE (G) WAS SILENTFOR OUR PEOPLE SPELLED GUALE, THE (G) WAS SILENTFOR OUR PEOPLE SPELLED GUALE, THE (G) WAS SILENT AND PRONOUNCED AS A (W).AND PRONOUNCED AS A (W).AND PRONOUNCED AS A (W).WATCHIE= MOTHERWATCHIE= MOTHERWATCHIE= MOTHEROOKEE= WATEROOKEE= WATEROOKEE= WATERCHEE= YOUCHEE= YOUCHEE= YOUSEMINOLI = RUNAWAYSEMINOLI = RUNAWAYSEMINOLI = RUNAWAYSAFANEE = SAVANNAHSAFANEE = SAVANNAHSAFANEE = SAVANNAHCHEHUNTAMO? = HOW ARE YOU?CHEHUNTAMO? = HOW ARE YOU?CHEHUNTAMO? = HOW ARE YOU?WORDS YOU MAY NEED TO FAMILIARIZEYOURSELF WITH, WORDS YOU HAVEEXPRESSED DIFFERENTLYWORDS YOU MIGHT HAVE HEARD BUT DIDN’T REALIZEORIGINATED FROM THE YAMASSEE INDIAN TRIBEwww.yamasseenation.org
A THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSERSSpecial Thanks to April Cone, her staff, and theUniversity of South Carolina Salkehatchie forcarrying the name of our tribe and people.Your dedication ensures that the memory andspirit of the Yamassee are honored andremembered. We are deeply grateful for yoursupport and the caring energy you extendtowards our community.www.yamasseenation.org
A special thanks to Dr. Vallerie Cave Superintendent forAllendale County schools for seeing the importance ofsharing Indigenous culture and history to the studentsof Allendale County. We are deeply grateful for yoursupport and the caring energy you extend towards ourcommunity.www.yamasseenation.orgDr. Vallerie CaveSuperintendent for AllendaleCounty Schools
On behalf of The Yamassee Indian Tribe, we wouldlike to extend our heartfelt thanks for yourgenerous sponsorship and continued support.Your contribution played a vital role in makingGreen Corn Festival a success, and we are deeplygrateful for your partnership.www.yamasseenation.org
www.yamasseenation.orgRed Crows Dining414 S Main St, Allendale, SC 29810redcrowsdining.com803-812-0010On behalf of The Yamassee Indian Tribe, we sincerely thank you foryour generous sponsorship and unwavering support. Your contribution was instrumental in the success of Green Corn Festival.
www.yamasseenation.org164 Hwy 17 Unit 18, East Palatka, FL 32131jayme@shopsmokinjays.com(386) 385-3015On behalf of The Yamassee Indian Tribe, we sincerely thank you foryour generous sponsorship and unwavering support. Your contribution was instrumental in the success of Green Corn Festival.Smokin Jay’s
www.yamasseenation.orgOn behalf of The Yamassee Indian Tribe, we sincerely thank you foryour attendance and sharing the culture. Your contribution was instrumental in the success of Green Corn Festival.Allendale Elementary Steel BandMs. Kimberly Roberts & Mrs. Ambrose
www.yamasseenation.org803-584-3500On behalf of The Yamassee Indian Tribe, we sincerely thank you foryour generous sponsorship and unwavering support. Your contribution was instrumental in the success of Green Corn Festival.WDOG Radio bigdogradio.com
www.yamasseenation.org803-584-7676On behalf of The Yamassee Indian Tribe, we sincerely thank you foryour generous sponsorship and unwavering support. Your contribution was instrumental in the success of Green Corn Festival.Gooding & Gooding, PAServing Allendale, SC PO Box 1000Allendale, SC 29810
www.yamasseenation.orgDenys Vasquez-Welchwww.wjhsda.orgOn behalf of The Yamassee Indian Tribe, we sincerely thank you foryour generous sponsorship and unwavering support. Your contribution was instrumental in the success of Green Corn Festival.The Wannah and John Horse Seminole Descendants Alliance, Inc.
www.yamasseenation.orgOn behalf of The Yamassee Indian Tribe, we sincerely thank you foryour generous sponsorship and unwavering support. Your contribution was instrumental in the success of Green Corn Festival.IG:@LokfiCreationsEarth Hadjo
www.yamasseenation.orgTheNewCaribbean.netIG:@thenewcaribbeanOn behalf of The Yamassee Indian Tribe, we sincerely thank you foryour generous sponsorship and unwavering support. Your contribution was instrumental in the success of Green Corn Festival.Kehv Clarence
www.yamasseenation.orgOn behalf of The Yamassee Indian Tribe, we sincerely thank you foryour generous sponsorship and unwavering support. Your contribution was instrumental in the success of Green Corn Festival.IG:@theofficialundergroundvisionzFB: The Official Underground VisionzMarcellus “Yvholv” Ford
www.yamasseenation.orgOn behalf of The Yamassee Indian Tribe, we sincerely thank you foryour generous sponsorship and unwavering support. Your contribution was instrumental in the success of Green Corn Festival.Allendale Tiger Express 5009 Allendale-Fairfax Hwy,Allendale, SC 29810
Awww.yamasseenation.org4911 Main St N, Allendale, South Carolina 29810allendalecountyrescuesquad.orgOn behalf of The Yamassee Indian Tribe, we sincerely thank you foryour generous sponsorship and unwavering support. Your contribution was instrumental in the success of Green Corn Festival.Allendale County EMS
www.yamasseenation.orgOn behalf of The Yamassee Indian Tribe, we sincerely thank you for yourgenerous sponsorship and unwavering support. Your contribution was instrumental in the success of Green Corn Festival.allendalecounty.com/government Allendale County Sheriff’s OfficeSheriff James Freeman
www.yamasseenation.org137 Pleasant St E, Allendale, SC, South CarolinaOn behalf of The Yamassee Indian Tribe, we sincerely thank you foryour generous sponsorship and unwavering support. Your contribution was instrumental in the success of Green Corn Festival.Town Of AllendaleAllendale Police Department
www.yamasseenation.orgSPECIAL THANKSSponsors & VolunteersChristopher “StrongHorse” ThomasErica CollierRegina Dyer and FamilySteve WarriorBreanna & Cody HowardSarah MojeckiMr. & Mrs Teresa Taylor
www.yamasseenation.orgVENDORSVENDORSFree Spirit Trinkets Whitewolf Native CreationsInca MakiR&C Low Country Bees, LLCC&C Trading PostRed Wind FlutesSufia’s Woven TreasuresNative ExpressionsOkwarikowa OriginalsCanary Fine Art & TattoosNative PuebloSuti Beads and MoreInspirationsBlack Moses Freedom FestivalCalifornia Bear ClanNative CraftsBowe-Buckhannan CreationsGreylones Place
www.yamasseenation.orgIn MemoriamIn MemoriamRick Franklin
www.yamasseenation.orgIn MemoriamIn Memoriam
To the beloved family of MarKayla Roberts,On behalf of our entire community and Nation, we extendour deepest gratitude for allowing us the sacred honor ofremembering and uplifting your precious daughter,MarKayla. In her, we saw not only the light of what was—butthe brilliance of what could have been. Her spirit, her smile,and her potential left a mark that will never fade.We recognize the depth of your loss, and we walk with you,not just in mourning, but in purpose. Because of MarKayla’slife, and the love you’ve shared with us, we are moved to act—to ensure her name lives on in the promise of others.In her honor, we are establishing The MarKayla RobertsScholarship—a living tribute to her heart, her character, andher dreams. This scholarship will be a bridge for studentswho carry the same traits MarKayla embodied: kindness,determination, brilliance, and a quiet strength that upliftsthose around them. It will serve as a head start for youthchasing brighter futures, just as she would have.This is our way of saying thank you—for sharing her with us,for letting us love her, and for helping us turn pain intopurpose. Her legacy will not be defined by what was taken,but by what is given in her name.With eternal respect and love,The Yamassee Indian TribeBy Chief Se’khu Hadjo Gentlewww.yamasseenation.orgIn MemoriamIn MemoriamA Special Acknowledgment to theFamily of MarKayla Roberts
10:00 am - Day Starts with Opening and Seating10:15 am – Tour of the Vendors…an “Educational Tour.”The Tribalmember at the vending booth can educate the children about wherethey are from and a brief history of their tribe.11:00 am – Introducing Dance Styles:Women’s TraditionalMen’s TraditionalGrass DancersFancy DancersJingle Dress DancersIntertribal Dancers – Invite the children to dance with us.11:40 am - Talk about the ‘Drama’ play that will be coming up next. The name of the play is, “Have You Seen My Sister.” Written anddirected by Marcellus Ford.12:00 Noon – Lunch – BYOB12:30 pm - Steel Drummers Perform1:30 pm - The PlayThis ends the activities for the children on Friday.www.yamasseenation.orgFRIDAY MAY 9THFRIDAY MAY 9TH
www.yamasseenation.orgSaturday MAY 10THSaturday MAY 10TH9:00 am – Normal PowWow Etiquette12:30 pm - GRAND ENTRYMemorial SongVictory SongRick Franklin Observance:MC Billy Kip: Reading of Rick Franklin’s Biography1:00 pm – MILITARY PROCESSION IN OBSERVANCE of RICK FRANKLINGrey Cloud – DrumMC – Facilitates Dancers2:30 pm – Dancers Break5:30 pm - First Call Dancers6:30 pm – 2nd Grand Entry7:15 pm – Fire Hoop Dancer Candlelight Vigil for Markayla RobertsClosing CeremonySunday MAY 11THSunday MAY 11TH11:00 am – GRAND ENTRYGrey Cloud – Drum1:00 pm – Intertribal Dancing, Auction Trade Blanket, Committee Walk2:00 pm – Closing Ceremony
‘Until we see each other again’Tehechulaga Tehechulaga Contact UsIG @yamasseetribeyamasseenation.orgYamassee Indian NationP.O. Box 693Allendale, SC 29810803-702-1715