BRAD HORN/Nevada Appeal Vernon Painter, 6, looks through part of his brother's traditional dancing dress at the Carson Colony gym on Wednesday. Several authentic Native American items will be auctioned Saturday as a fundraiser for the Nevada Day Pow Wow.
Original American Indian baskets, jewelry and pottery are just a few of the items available at a benefit silent auction Saturday at D'vine Wine in Carson City.
A fundraiser for the Nevada Day Pow Wow, coordinator Debbie Painter said the group needs to raise about $6,000 to be able to host the annual powwow.
"This is our first attempt at this type of fundraiser," Painter said. "We've done Indian taco sales, but we wanted to take it downtown and see how we do.
"D'vine Wine has been absolutely wonderful to us."
Painter said there are about 20 items up for auction including baskets made by Virginia Carrillo from the Stewart Indian Colony, jewelry donated by Indian Prairie Antiques, pottery and a fully beaded purse Painter came across years ago.
"I haven't used it so I donated it," she said. "We've donated a lot of things from our collection, many Indian-related items.
"We really hope the community comes to look at the auction items. People put their hearts into each of these items. My hope is for people to appreciate what goes into these items. Each person takes a lot of time and care. And they're made in America."
Painter said the powwows are held as a way for American Indians to share their traditions, backgrounds and cultures.
"It's one of the last traditions we have around," she said. "It's a good way for families to get together. It's good for all cultures."
Traditionally, powwows are a competition. Tribes attending the Nevada Day Powwow include Navajo from the Southwest, Sioux, Oneida from Wisconsin, Mi-Wok, Lakota and local tribes of Paiute, Washo and Shoshone.
"The Grand Entry showcases different tribes with regalia and dance styles," Painter said. "As always, they enter (the room) from the east, which is our culture, because from the east is where things begin.
"The flag carriers are usually first, then veterans, honored elders, then our royalty which are new to our arena. They represent different tribes as well."
Painter said a card will be attached to each of the items with information about it and who donated it. Auction item preview is 6-6:30 p.m. and bidding sheets open at 6:30.
• Contact Rhonda Costa-Landers at rcosta-landers@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.
If you go
WHAT: Silent Auction
WHEN: 6-9 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: D'vine Wine, 200 N. Stewart St.
COST: Free to attend; cash/checks accepted for bids
CALL: 841-3182 or 741-3016