The drama of color and rhythm will return to the Historical Center with the 20th Annual Plains Indian Museum Powwow - Saturday, June 16 and Sunday, June 17, 2001. At the 2000 Plains Indian Museum Powwow, more than 300 dancers and drummers from across the country attended the two-day event celebrating Native cultures, history and traditions. Visitors are invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets to watch the festivities in the natural amphitheater of the Robbie Powwow Garden, adjacent to the Historical Center. According to Emma Hansen, Curator of the Plains Indian Museum , visitors to this colorful gathering are more than just onlookers.
Spectators have many opportunities to actively participate in some of the dances.
The impressive Grand Entry marks the official start of the powwow. The color guard of veterans enter the arena carrying the American Flag, State Flag and Eagle Staff, representing American Indian Nations, families and communities. They are followed by dignitaries, including respected elders, and then the dancers fill the arena beginning with male traditional dancers and ending with the smallest children. In the competitive sessions, dancers use the whole arena to exhibit their skills with grace and finesse. The powwow is an exciting educational event for visitors, and a gathering of family, friends and fellow competitors for dancers and drummers.