High Plains Powwow dances into fourth year

The Carbon County Museum will host its fourth annual High Plains Powwow on Saturday at the Carbon County Fairgrounds in Rawlins. This Northern Plains-style dance competition is a rich and immersive opportunity to experience Native American Indian culture.

Dancers of all ages will compete in 22 dance categories for over $9,500 in prize money.

“This event has become our museum’s signature event and the number of Native American Indian artists has grown year after year,” said Kelly Bohanan, Director of Carbon County Museum. “The success of this event wouldn’t be possible without the continued attendance of native artists who travel to participate and the generosity of our sponsors, vendors, and granting agencies.

Saturday’s events kick off with the Grand Entry at 1 p.m. The day’s events will be run by Bart Powaukee as Master of Ceremonies and Chad Red Elk as Arena Director. Joanna “Ina” Tillman will serve as Honored Elder at the event.

Music will be led by Host Drum groups Agency Creek of Fort Hall, Idaho, and Big Wind Singers, of Wind River. This year’s powwow remains free to spectators and participants thanks to funding from the Carbon County Visitors Council, Wyoming Arts Council, Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund, ongoing partnerships with the Carbon County Fair Board and Carbon County Museum Foundation, and the support of local sponsors.

This powwow is a family friendly, drug, alcohol and pet-free event.

Dancer registration is from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. the day of the event. Competition dance categories include Men’s and Boy’s Northern Traditional, Fancy Feather, Grass and Prairie Chicken, and Women’s Northern Traditional, Jingle Dress, and Fancy Shawl, with divisions for tots, juniors, teens, adults, and golden agers.

Drum groups are asked to pre-register in order to ensure adequate space and day pay is available. All native artists must present valid tribal ID at registration.

Vendor spaces are still available; vendor pre-registration is encouraged as space is limited. To learn more about this event, including discounted local accommodations, dancer, drummer and vendor registration forms, please visit us online at carboncountymuseum.org/events/high-plains-powwow or contact the museum at (307) 328-2740, [email protected] or in person at 904 West Walnut Street in Rawlins.