2019 Powwow Saw More Participation
Written by Andrew-Rossi on June 21, 2019
It was fancy. It was festive. It was a success.
That’s according to Plains Indian Museum Curatorial Assistant Hunter Old Elk, who was one of the organizers of this year’s Plains Indian Powwow, which took place last weekend at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West.
Old Elk says over 1500 visitors, 200 dancers, 10 drum groups and 30 vendors made this year’s event one of the most well-attended in the 38 years since it began. And she says in her opinion, one of the most positive aspects of the weekend was the increase in participation of younger dancers.
Old Elk added that there were two dancers, a couple 77 and 78 years old, who were the oldest participants, and the youngest was a five-week-old baby who was dressed up by his parents and officially participated in the event.
Old Elk noted that local sponsors also contributed to the success of the event, which was attended by participants from 39 different tribes from all over the United States and Canada.
Photo courtesy Buffalo Bill Center of the West. Jaycee Sanchey- Walker, 5 years old, from White Swan, Washington.
