The Powwow: Experience the Ultimate Tribal Party

This powwow provides the opportunity for the aboriginal people of the farthest northwest corner of the continent to gather. Groups that participate in the powwow include American Indians as well as Alaska natives and First Nations groups. The meeting takes place in July as a way for native groups to honor and celebrate their combined culture and history.

The Grand Entry marks the beginning of this powwow, as is the case with most similar celebrations; complete with dance and song. The chanting, beating of drums and dancing continues on the second day, after which time attendees participate in a time honored game that is similar to tug of war. In this version of the game, referred to as nilee zhruk, participants in the game vie over an object that is somewhat cone shaped until someone eventually gives in and gives up the object.

Carlson Center is the scene for most of the activities of this powwow. Along with the singing, dancing and games, there are also numerous booths that offer wares ranging from mouthwatering homemade food to hand woven textiles and crafts. The activities culminate after four days with the ceremonial release of a bald eagle and a final culturally significant dance and song.

The Crow Fair has been held in Billings for nearly one hundred yeas. During this festival, six districts representing reservations of the Crow Tribe gather together to share their cultural experiences. This fair has been termed as a huge family reunion due to the fact that so many different bands within the same tribe meet for this festival.

For five days, the bands meet near the Little Big Horn River; located quite near the location of the battle of the same name. This festival offers plenty of opportunities to observe traditional singing and dancing. In addition, there are numerous parades, as well as a horse race and rodeo.

Although Connecticut is not frequently thought of as Native American territory, it is nonetheless the site of one of the largest and most well known powwows in the United States. It is during this event that the Mashantucket Pequot tribe gathers together. This tribe has gained worldwide recognition for their establishment of one of the largest casinos in the world, Foxwoods.

During the Feast of Green Corn and Dance, held each August, the tribe temporarily diverts their attention to celebrating their cultural heritage in a true display of ceremonial splendor. Events include not only ceremonial dancing, but also a singing contest. In addition, there is the opportunity to tour a traditional Pequot village that has been re-created to allow visitors the chance to explore the way in which tribal members lived many years ago. Points of interest include a marketplace, wigwams and even traditional arts and crafts displays. Do make sure you stop by the fry bread booth; it is not to be missed!

The United Tribes International Powwow is the setting for literally hundreds of drummers and dancers to gather and display age-old ceremonial festivities. Dozens of groups participate in the gathering, including the Hidastsa, Arikara, Mandan and Chippewa.

A drum roll call begins the festivities, followed by several dances that set the tone for the powwow over the next several days. Activities abound throughout this exciting gathering. Several contests are held during the powwow. Choose from among your favorites, such as a Miss Indian Nations pageant, a softball tournament and much more.

You certainly will not want to leave without sampling some of the culinary events. Certainly the most popular of which is a free beef and buffalo buffet style event in which you can enjoy all you can eat servings of charbroiled buffalo meat. The evening is topped off with the last dance of the event.

If you're planning on attending the United Tribes Powwow, there are several discount Bismarck hotels nearby.

Regardless of where you are traveling this summer, you are likely to find a powwow near your destination. Who knows? Given the number of powwows held around the country each year, you may just find one right around the corner from your own home as well.