2016 "Metropolitan Community College Powwow"

Event Details

Saturday, Sep. 24th, 2016:

Native American History to be Showcased at 25th Annual Fort Omaha Intertribal Powwow.

The 25th annual Fort Omaha Intertribal Powwow will be hosted by Metropolitan Community College Saturday, Sept. 24, from 1 to 7 P.M. at MCC's historic Fort Omaha Campus on the parade ground, (). Celebrating regional Native American cultures, the powwow will feature traditional dances, music, artistry, oral history and foods of various tribes across Nebraska and the region, including, but not limited to, Northern Ponca, Omaha, Santee Sioux and Winnebago.

Experience Nebraska's history by honoring Native American traditions at this educational event. Dancers in colorful regalia will perform throughout the day, starting at 11 A.M. with a Gourd Dance, a tradition that originated with the Kiowa and features men dancers with gourd rattles while honoring military veterans.

Grand entry into the powwow will begin at 1 P.M. Dancers five-years-old and younger will perform in a tiny tot special at 2 P.M. This year's theme is “Strengthening the Circle.” The theme is reflected in study circles, which are an opportunity to learn from Native American experts, beginning at 2 P.M. Marla Bullbear, M.S., Sicangu Lakota, will present “Native Trauma, Past, Present and Healing for the Future.” Joseph Marshall III, legendary author, will present “The Lakota Reality of Sacred Earth” at 3 P.M. The annual princess contest is at 5 P.M.

The event is free and open to the public. Bring lawn chairs for seating. Food and craft vendors will be available. Coolers are welcome. No alcohol permitted. For more information, call 531-622-2253.

Several hundred artists participate in this family-friendly event. Mitchell “Chiefy” Parker, Omaha, will serve as emcee, and Scott Aldrich, Winnebago, will serve as arena director. The head man dancer is world-champion fancy dancer, Thunder Lieb, Southern Ponca, and the head lady dancer is Tyler Makes Room for Them, Rosebud Sioux. Mato Pejuta from Santee, Nebraska, will serve as the host northern drum and the Young Bucks from Omaha, will serve as host southern drum. Jamie Colvin, Seminole Nation of Oklahoma, will serve as Princess Judge. The princess crown was created by Carrie Odegaard from Herrick, South Dakota.

The powwow is made possible with the support of the Nebraska Arts Council and National Endowment for the Arts. The event is funded in part by Douglas County Visitors Improvement Fund.

The schedule

• 11 A.M. - Gourd Dance
• 1 P.M. - Grand Entry.
• 2 P.M. - Tiny Tot Special.
• 2 P.M. - Learn from Native American experts.
• 3 P.M. - Marla Bullbear, M.S., Sicangu Lakota, will present “Native Trauma, Past, Present and Healing for the Future.” and Joseph Marshall III, legendary author, will present “The Lakota Reality of Sacred Earth”
• 5 P.M. - Annual princess contest.