ANDERSON — Wapiminskink. Chank-tun-onn-gi. Sokpehllak.

The legacy of the American Indian way of life is everywhere in Madison County, although it may not be obvious.

On Saturday, the Andersontown Powwow takes over Athletic Park in Anderson for a celebration of the lasting impact the Miami, Shawnee, Delaware and other tribes made locally.

“Wapiminskink” was the name given Anderson during the times of William Anderson, meaning place of the Chestnut tree. “Chank-tun-onn-gi” means makes a noisy place, while “Sokpehllak” means spilt water, both refer to Fall Creek, which descends 25 feet in just one mile through Pendleton.

This year, said co-founder Debbie Webb, the Powwow will feature living history interpreter Jessica Diemer-Eaton. She will set up an authentic temporary camp, build a fire and perform traditional food preparation.

“It’s a chance to get up close and personal,” Webb said. “This is probably the wow factor for the Powwow this year. It will give everybody a chance to learn and understand our native cultures.”

For the fifth year in a row, the spirit of the Powwow will be present in local classrooms. Webb said more than 2,500 students will get an advance look at the festivities during cultural awareness programs, up from just 420 students in 2004.

Fourth-graders from Anderson, Elwood, Frankton, Lapel and Pendleton will experience presentations at the Anderson Community Schools Wigwam today at 9:15 a.m., 10:45 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. Featured artists Norris Chee and Katrina Mitten, meanwhile, will present visiting art classes at Anderson, Highland, Lapel and Frankton high schools today.

“Norris Chee really connects with young people,” Webb said of Chee, a Navajo residing in Lexington, Neb. “He’s a great artist with a great story to tell. He’s very engaging and kids respond to him well.”

Webb said the Powwow will also include games of double-ball, an early version of lacrosse, and more than $6,000 in prize money will be awarded for inter-tribal and exhibition dancing.

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If you go

2008 Andersontown Powwow and Indian Market

When: Saturday and Sunday

Where: Athletic Park in Anderson