Swiss Couple Dances in Powwow

The Akwesasne Powwow took place over the weekend, and it’s so big that it is attracting people all the way from Switzerland! Markus Vollack and Yvonne Dröge are travelers who participate in historical reenactments throughout Europe and the United States. They have day jobs, and children, but both share a tremendous respect and affinity for indigenous culture. Participating in Powwows in the Czech Republic, Germany, Poland, and several in the United States, Vollack and Dröge are following their dreams and have been for the past two and a half years.

Vollack is an electrical Engineer working in the Swiss Railway Industry. Being the boss, he is able to work his day job and follow his passion by working on the 8 hour flight over to the US. Their hobby is not all play though, as the trips are seldom restful. After participating in a powwow or reenactment, the pair will then fly back and sometimes arriving at 6am, have to rush right back to work, but their commitment to and love for the culture makes them do it.

Vollack and Dröge found their way to Akwesasne by an interesting turn of fate. While they were looking for regalia they found a shirt that was perfect while they were visiting Kahnawake. When they asked who made the shirt, so they could have one made for them, they were told the person lived in Akwesasne, but when they arrived here they couldn’t find them. Through sheer luck, they were directed to Sandra Jackson who also made regalia. Vollack and Dröge came to Akwesasne during a snowstorm out of the blue last winter and found a surprised Jackson. Vollack and Dröge made their plea for Jackson to make them traditional regalia, because they wanted to dance in a powwow in the men’s and women’s traditional category, and Jackson agreed. The rest, as they say, is history.

Vollack’s interest in the native people of North America began with paintings from Robert Griffin who specialized in painting of the indigenous People of the Eastern Woodlands. From there Vollack found groups on the internet devoted to encampments for living history, which celebrated the culture and tradition of native people. Vollack did note that at these celebrations they learned the songs and dances, which are the same songs and dances performed over here, but they never did any sacred dances. Vollack’s heart was with the woodlands people depicted in the Griffin paintings, so that’s what he gravitated towards. It is the hope of Vollack and Dröge to be married in a traditional longhouse ceremony.

Vollack spoke to the question of how a white man can be so interested in this, when for years all things native were bad.

Vollack said, “We are a different generation, and we have a fascination for these ways.”