Nearly 10,000 expected at Coushatta event
KINDER — A celebration of Native American traditions, tribal customs and heritage will take place this weekend at the 22nd annual Coushatta Pow Wow.
The powwow, Friday-Saturday, June 9-10, at the Pavilion at Coushatta Casino Resort, will feature drum, singing and dance competitions, and Native American arts, crafts and food.
Event Chairwoman Loretta Williams said the family-friendly event will offer an opportunity for tribes from all over the United States and Canada to share their culture and heritage with the public.
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“The goal of our powwow is to spread knowledge of the American Indian culture.”
Williams said the event will give visitors insight into modern-day Indian traditions.
The 22nd annual Coushatta Pow Wow will take place this weekend. (Special to American Press)
The event will feature nearly 10,000 Native Americans taking part in a series of dance, singing and drum competitions in what is described as one of the largest powwows in North America.
“Native American Indians have their traditions and cultures, and we want it to continue and be known,” Williams said.
Dancers will be in colorful regalia, she said, and all the attire and headdresses worn by the dancers and drummers are handmade and represent tribal history.
There will also be about 70 food and arts and craft vendors.
The powwow will begin at 5 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Saturday with gourd dancing, to bless the grounds and honor veterans. Most of the gourd dancers are veterans and elders of the visiting tribes.
Grand entries will be at 7 p.m. Friday and noon and 7 p.m. Saturday.
During the grand entry, dancers of all ages will be dressed in full traditional regalia and parade around the dance arena in a spectacle of color and sound.
Dance, singing and drum competitions will be held throughout the day, and they will feature various styles of music and dance.
Admission is $5 per day. Children age 6 and under get in free. Gates will open at 3 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. Saturday.
The Pavilion is behind Coushatta Casino Resort on U.S. 165, five miles north of Kinder.
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Online: www.coushattapowwow.com
“A powwow is a gathering of American Indian people to get together to celebrate traditions and cultures through dance, music, art and food.”
-Event Chairwoman Loretta Williams
At grand entry times, dancers will be dressed in full traditional regalia. (Special to the American Press)