Omaha university powwow kicks off summer celebrations for area Native Americans

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Powwow
A dancer checks out the action while awaiting her dance.

The sound of tribal drums echoed in the concourse of Baxter Arena Saturday as hundreds of people gathered for an All-Nations Powwow at the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s arena.

The Wambli Sapa Memorial Pow Wow attracted people from around North America, as Native Americans of all ages participated in dances, from traditional (such as the shawl) to fancy. The powwow used its name as an honor for the memory of Fred Leroy, a Ponca elder, who supported UNO and its Native American Studies program.

The powwow honored the history of Native Americans’ dance, song, art and crafts.

Powwow
The beads were among the beautiful and plentiful crafts available during the powwow. I bought a new Native Pride hat and a DVD. I also picked up the very same thing for daughter Stephanie.

The powwow was the first hosted at UNO’s new arena. The goal is to have it become an annual event. The event was emceed by Garan Goods. The guest emcee was native actor and musician Gary Farmer. Farmer is one of my favorite actors, since I first saw him alongside A Martinez in “Powwow Highway.” The movie also featured my oldest brother, Johnny. Farmer and my brother later appeared in other productions together, most notably “Dreamkeeper.” The mini-series featured my brother as Coyote and Farmer as Iktome. I was giddy when I happened to be in the right place at the right time. As Farmer walked by, he shook my hand. I vowed never to wash it again.

The Grand Entry nearly started on time. It was scheduled for 1 p.m., but probably started 15 minutes later. That’s outstanding for “Indian time.” It’s a joke among Natives, because historically time has always been fluid. So, the attitude has been “we’ll get to it when we get to it.” There  is no rush, as we will all be together anyway.

Powwow
Veterans march behind the eagle staff during the powwow’s Grand Entry. This is a beautiful tradition.

Grand Entry is a special part of powwows. Dancers are led into the arena by a person carrying the eagle staff. it represents much respect among native Americans. The staff is followed by veterans carrying the American flag, as well as military and tribal flags. Dancers enter the dance area in groups, usually based on their dance category. There were a good number of dancers participating in the Grand Entry. Following the entry, dancers participate in their selected areas.

Powwow
Women of all ages participated in traditional dances.

As we do at any powwow we attend, Indian – or Native or NDN – tacos are high on the dining list. there were two stands open during the powwow. Neither disappointed. the one we ordered from had fry bread that covered the plate. They added chili beans as a base and topped it with beef, lettuce, tomatoes and salsa. My mouth waters just thinking about it.

Powwow
An Indian taco is a must-have at a powwow.

We enjoyed the few hours we spent at the powwow. It has us in the mood for more dances to attend. The Santee Sioux tribe’s powwow is June 18-19 in northeast Nebraska. I haven’t been to my tribe’s powwow in a couple of decades. I’d like to attend this year. We usually go to the Winnebago celebration the last last weekend in July, since it is closer to Omaha. But, we’re out of town that weekend, so if you’re looking for an outstanding event to attend July 29-August 1, check it out.

If you’ve never been to a powwow, you should attend one. They are special and wonderful events. The public is always welcome. in fact, you’ll probably be encouraged to join the dancers in the arena. if you go, have fun!

For information about powwow across the continent, check out www.powwows.com.