Six drum groups provided the music for the dancers to compete to. Jackie Blackbird, a University freshman and member of the American Indian Student Association, said some dancers earn a living by competing in powwows along the powwow trail. Some people travel across the country and Canada, making a living by competing in powwows. Adult male and female dancers wearing traditional costumes compete in one of three categories. Women's categories include traditional, jingle dress and fancy shawl.
Men compete in fancy, traditional and grass categories.
Children ages 9 to 16 also compete in the same dance categories. Children ages 8 and under dance for exhibition. Each category of dance is judged on its own criteria. The best drum groups also won prizes. Blackbird noted that powwows in Las Vegas and Wisconsin depleted the number of American Indians competing in the University powwow.