Pow Wow to celebrate 20 years May 16-17

 

The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana will celebrate its 20th Annual Pow Wow this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Earl J. Barbry Sr. Convention Center at the Paragon Casino Resort. The event will feature dance and drum demonstrations, over  35 food and craft vendors, and a featured performance by the Tunica-Biloxi Singers and Legend Keepers. There will be dance specials sponsored by the Roland Thompson and Peanutt Roberts families.
 
  A favorite of the Pow Wow are the Native American dance and drum competitions on Saturday and Sunday, with winners taking home cash prizes. The dance competition will have 13 categories, including the Chicken Dance and Northern and Southern categories in men and women’s Golden Age. 
 
The drum competition will be split into Northern and Southern categories. Registration for the dance and drum competition will be held Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. Tickets for the Pow Wow will be sold at the gate.  Prices are $5 for general admission and $3 for children under five. Pow Wow registered drum singers and dancers in regalia with numbered credentials will receive free admission. The event will include a $5 entry fee for dance competition participants. 
 
Parking will be available at Paragon Casino Resort. Rates for RV camping and lodging will be provided upon request.
 
“From its inception, the Tunica-Biloxi Pow Wow was created to bring our community closer together and to celebrate our native heritage,” Pow Wow Committee Chairman John Barbry said. “It has been gratifying to see the community spirit and the interest of tribal youth in Tunica-Biloxi history and culture as a result of their experiences at the Pow Wow.”
 
Since 1995, the Pow Wows have given Tunica-Biloxi tribal and non-members opportunities to experience the history and traditions of the tribe. The Tunica-Biloxi Pow Wow affirms the endurance of indigenous culture through vibrant craft displays, music performances, dance presentations and cultural exhibits.
 
For more information,  call 800-946-1946 ext. 1923 or visit www.tunicapowwow.org.