The ninth annual Native American Pow-Wow, being held this weekend at Wells Harbor Park, is a celebration of the songs, dances and traditions of the tribes of Maine and New Hampshire. It goes well beyond that, however, to the core of what ties all people together, regardless of nation, color or creed.

“This is a family affair, something to bring the whole family to,” says Don Newell, a member of the Penobscot Nation and the New Hampshire Inter-Tribal Native American Council, which organized the event. “In fact, we say, ‘We are all related. We are all brothers and sisters.’ We come together to celebrate and to see each other and give each other a hug and talk with each other.”

That camaraderie was on display Saturday and will continue today from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with more music, dancing and storytelling. For a schedule of events, go to www.wellschamber.org.