The 33rd Annual Plains Indian Museum Powwow

Saturday - June 21, 2014

There are four sacred colors

The East is white, the color of dawn. 

The South is blue, the color of the sky overhead at noon.

The West is red, the color if the setting sun. 

And the North is black, the color of night. 

The Powwow brings together Native dancers, drum groups, families, and artisans to share the Native cultures of the Great Plains.

Grand Entry ushers all participants into the powwow arena at noon and 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 21, and at noon on Sunday, Jun 22. After a welcome and opening prayer, host drum Arapaho Nation from Arapahoe, Wyoming, sing flag and victory songs. Competitive dancing begins after the posting of flags by color guard Apsáalooke Nation Guard from Crow Agency, Montana. Arena Director is Charlie White Buffalo, and Master of Ceremonies Robert “Corky” Old Horn announces from the stage and makes it easy for visitors to follow the action.

Dancers range in age from tiny tots (children under 6) to golden age (adults 55 and older). Dance categories include traditional, grass, and fancy for men and boys; and traditional, fancy shawl, and jingle for women and girls. This year’s specials include gourd dancing, tiny tots, women’s fancy shawl, men’s traditional, men’s chicken dance, and team dancing.

Tiny Tot dancer

I arrived around 11:00 to walk around the vendor booths and to watch the dancers preparing for the Grand Entry. I had to work at 2:00, so I was only able to stay for the Grand Entry and did not see any of the competitive dancing. 

Link to article about the 25th Anniversary of this Powwow in 2006