5 Exciting Native American Powwows

Every year, Native American tribes throughout North America celebrate their heritage with powwows, gatherings for traditional music, dancing, storytelling and exhibits of their crafts.

A powwow is a Native American social gathering. Each year there are many powwows throughout the United States and the events are open to visitors. They are part music festival, part cultural festival and part craft market. Powwows are fun for both independent travelers and families as well.

Gathering of Nations - Albuquerque, NM

Producers of this powwow event say it's the largest in North America. The full schedule of events, and thousands of visitors from around the world each year seem to prove it. The colorful exhibits and activities make for great photography and video memories. In addition to many colorful happenings, there are contests for best costumes, dances, original music and crowning of Miss Indian World. Available for purchase are many varieties of freshly-prepared Native American foods, jewelry, clothing and other products.

Gathering of Nations - April 26-28, 2012
University of New Mexico Arena, Avenida Cesar Chavez Blvd. SE Albuquerque, NM
gatheringofnations.com

Dance for Mother Earth - Ann Arbor, MI
This back-to Native American traditional powwow features dancers, musicians, singers, artists, and crafts demonstrations by representatives from tribes throughout North America. The two-day event features a variety of authentic Native American performers from Michigan and other areas of North America. They dress in traditional colorful tribal clothing and compete for awards in various music- and dance-related categories.

Vendors offer both contemporary and traditional foods. Visitors are invited to join in on group dances and singing. They may also volunteer to participate in discussions involving current social, economic and political issues among today's Native American communities.

39th Annual Dance for Mother Earth Pow Wow - March 19-20, 2012
University of Michigan and Saline School Ann Arbor, MI
umich.edu

Standing Bear Pow Wow - Ponca City, OK
The annual powwow is presented by members of the six north-central tribes of what was formerly the Oklahoma Territory. They are the Kaw, Osage, Otoe-Missouria, Pawnee, Ponca and Tonkawa.

Events include various dance exhibitions, visitor participation and competitions for contestants of all ages. The concluding highlight of the pow wow is crowning of the Standing Bear Princess. Throughout the event, craft, clothing and food vendors offer authentic Native American services and products. Free samples are offered of tribal foods, such as corn soup, cider, roasted corn on the cob and fry bread.

Standing Bear Powwow - September 28 and 29, 2012
Standing Bear Park and Museum Ponca City, Oklahoma
standingbearpark. com

Strong Sun Powwow - Clemmons, NC
Presented by the Nuluti Equani Ehi Tribe (Near River Dwellers), the event also includes other Native American tribes from across the South. The gathering is intended to share cultural traditions, teachings and promote understanding of America's original inhabitants.

Visitors are welcome to join the circles of dancing, drumming and chanting Native Americans. Tribal members say it can be a very spiritual and calming experience. The roots and traditions of many of the local tribes are from the Cherokee Nation that has lived in the area for more than 400 years.

Strong Sun Powwow - July 13 to 15, 2012
Tanglewood Park, Old 158 South Clemmons, NC
nearriverdwellers.org

Spring Contest Pow Wow and Indian Market - Ft. Collins, CO
Tribes represented at this pow wow include the Crow, Apsaalooke, Lakota, Arapaho and Kiowa. Featured are music and colorful dance demonstrations and contests in various categories, including families, men, women and children. Additionally, there will be vendors located throughout the arena offering Native American foods, art, jewelry and clothing.

Spring Contest Powwow and Indian Market - April 20-22, 2012
Colorado State University Moby Arena Fort Collins, Colorado
fortnet.org

You can follow travel writer Ted Sherman on twitter, @travel4seniors and check out his blog, travel4seniors.com

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