POW-WOW 2008: « Dances with the Loue »

In French, «Wolves» (loups) is pronounced the same way as the river Loue where the pow-wow will be held!

Our next Pow-wow will be held in France, in the Valley of the Loue, in the town of Ornans, home of the famous painter Courbet.

The river Loue, resurging powerfully from the Jura Mountains, rushes first through  the impressive Nouailles Gorges, flows then through the villages of Mouthier Haute-Pierre, Lods, Vuillafans and Montgesoye, to reach finally Ornans. This town is rightfully called the «Little Venice of the Franche-Comté», with its overhanging houses, its narrow gardens, its bridges over the Loue reflecting the blue and ochre colors.

This unusual and peaceful scenery will be home to a big gathering of Native American Nations on June 27, 28 and 29 2008.

The Pow-wow is a special event that, through the years, has become an important milestone in the cultural life of Lausanne. The first pow-wow just wanted to offer a folkloric but authentic show, like the ones organised in the United States by Native communities. Through the years, 4Winds developed the concept by adding lectures, panels and exhibitions, to deepen our understanding of Native life and culture, yesterday and today.

After many years in Lausanne, this time we have chosen a place that will geographically remind our Lakota guests and friends of their sacred Black Hills. Our aim is also to share with our French neighbours the discovery of the vast Native American culture, culture that has become more familiar to the people of Lausanne through five pow-wows, films, exhibitions and lectures. 

We wish to thank the city of Ornans and the Municipal Service for Arts and Culture  for making this unique event possible, the first time in France. Tel  03 81 62 01 69, e-mail service.culturel.ornans@wanadoo.fr)