Over the weekend on Saturday, the Tuscarora nation held their 2nd annual powwow at the Tuscarora Fair grounds in Lewiston New York. There was food & craft vendors, powwow & traditional Haudenosaunee dancing as well as a special honouring ceremony for a Tuscarora nation member and Six Nations community member Gordo Salinas.

The honouring ceremony was led by traditional Aztec dancing from dancers from California but who originated from Mexico City. The dancing began with many community members joining in a prayer and remembrance of Gordo Salinas. After the dancing and the community prayer, Salinas's mother, Wanda Wilson, gave a speech about her late son. The story captured the attention of the entire powwow participants and its viewers who took a break for the activities  during an intermission before the 2nd grand entry of the day.

Her speech began about the history and importance of the Aztecs and how when the Spanish invaded Mexico. The Aztec’s took all of their tribes which were called “the triple alliance", and went in three directions to Tenochca, which is now known today as Mexico City.

She also talked about the songs that were danced by the Aztec dancers. One song was called the “dance of the four points”, done to honour the four cultures and four directions of the world.

That’s how she seen her son. Gordo Salinas was also an Aztec dancer. She went on to say it's how he lived his life -- he travelled a lot and knew many people

Concluding, Wanda thanked everyone who reached out to show support and had sent condolences.