The 26th annual Coushatta Powwow will be Friday and Saturday, June 9-10, at The Pavilion at Cosuahtta Casino Resort.

Coushatta Tribe spokesperson Jamie Poncho Hill said the event is a chance for others to experience Native American culture, as well as a time to bring Native Americans together to celebrate their heritage through music, dance, arts and food.

“It’s just an immersion and almost an introduction into Native American culture because, not only is it a gathering of nations, it is also like a family reunion of sorts because people take their vacation days to come here to Coushatta because they know family members will be here.”

During the two-day event, Native American dancers, drummers, craftsmen and artisans of all ages from all over the United States and Canada will gather to share their cultures, traditions and heritages with others while facing off in a series of friendly dance and drum competitions among themselves.

“The Powwow is really a unique family-friendly experience,” Hill said. ”If you have never attended one, it’s really an immersion into the culture of nature with hundreds of tribal Nations from across the United States and Canada.”

“Dancers and drum groups travel many miles to come to our powwow and we have thousands of spectators and hundreds of dancers,” Hill continued. ”It’s really a must-see event if you have never attended one.”

Hill said spectators can expect to see hundreds of dancers performing in full regalia that is representative of each dance with many having ties to their family’s heritage.

“There will be colorful clothing with intricate beadwork, colorful feathers, fringes, jingles, ribbons,” she said. “Often times their breastplates and headbands signify their family heritage.”

Most of the regalia is passed down as heirloom from one family member to the next, she said.“It’s very special and everything is hand-beaded and hand-sewn so it takes a lot of time, energy and effort into making each piece,” she said.

Activities begin at 5 p.m. Friday with the ceremonial gourd dance to bless the dance arena and honor veterans. Gourd dances will also be held at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Saturday.

The highlight of the powwow is the grand entry, a rhythmic march that opens the competitions with hundreds of dancers dressed in feathered headdresses, beaded moccasin, shawls and handcrafted jewelry, claiming the dance arena accompanied by tribal drums and singers.

The grand entry is a must see, can’t miss event, Hill said.

“The grand entry is an introduction into the powwow,” she said. “This is the time where every dancer who is registered to perform and compete comes into the arena together. It’s a beautiful mix of color and sound. It’s really a sight to see and something everyone should see.”

Grand entries will be at 7 p.m. Friday and noon and 7 p.m. on Saturday.

Dance and drum competitions continue throughout the day.

“There is no limit on the age of the dancers, so you will see toddlers out there dancing,” Hill said. “If you can walk, you can dance so we will have toddlers, senior citizens and grandparents out there dancing.”

The public will also be invited into the arena to join the Native dancers.

“This is a good opportunity for someone to be fully immersed into the Pow Wow experience,” Hill said.

Aside from the dance and drum competitions, there will be an indoor marketplace showcasing Native American food like Indian fry bread, Indian tacos and corn soup, plus authentic Native American arts and crafts, including handmade turquoise and silver jewelry, beaded items, Coushatta long-leaf pine needle baskets, pottery, sculptures and more.

A Coushatta information booth will also be available where spectators can visit and ask questions specific to the Coushatta culture.

“If you are new to the powwow experience, you will not only be introduced to the Coushatta culture, you’ll be able to meet dancers from different Nations across the United States and Canada,” she said.

Spectators are welcome to take pictures and videos of the performances. However, no flash photography will be allowed as it is a distraction for the dancers.

Admission is $8 per person at the door. Children ages 6 and younger get in free. Tickets are available at the gate the day of the event.

Doors open at 4 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. on Saturday.

The Pavilion is located behind the Coushatta Casino Resort on U.S. 165, five miles north of Kinder.

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Online: www.coushattapowwow.com