The American Indian Council, Inc. will host its 44th Annual Traditional Pow Wow August 15 and 16 at the Boone County Fairgrounds. This year’s event will move indoors to Centennial Hall North, providing a more comfortable setting following previous years of extreme heat and severe weather.
The two-day cultural event will feature traditional Native American singing, drumming, dancing, regalia, vendors and food. New this year, Larry Gindhart Music will perform in addition to the two featured drum groups, Little Whirlwind and Iron Bear Singers.
Dancers, singers and traders from across the country will participate in the event, representing Indigenous peoples from many different tribes.
The pow wow is open to everyone, regardless of Indigenous heritage. Visitors are encouraged to learn and follow pow wow etiquette while attending.
Pow wow etiquette may include listening to the emcee’s instructions, standing and removing hats during certain dances or prayers, and avoiding walking across the sacred circle. Spectators should also ask permission before touching a dancer’s regalia or taking photographs. Visitors should never pick up an eagle feather or other fallen pieces of regalia.
“This is the perfect opportunity to experience living Native American culture, and help our council to preserve and educate on our history,” said Kirsten Wamsley, Community Relations Chair of the American Indian Council, Inc.
Gates will open at 10 a.m. both Saturday, August 15, and Sunday, August 16. Grand Entry, the ceremonial opening of the pow wow, will take place at 1 p.m. both days, with an additional Grand Entry at 7 p.m. Saturday. A break for dancing is scheduled for approximately 5 p.m. Saturday.
Admission is $5 per person or $15 per family. Tent camping is available at the fairgrounds for $10 per night, while RV camping is $25 per night. Baymont by Wyndham-Lebanon is also offering a special pow wow rate for guests.
Spectators are encouraged to bring a lawn chair.
The American Indian Council, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and educating the public about Native American heritage. The organization meets on the third Sunday of each month at 1:30 p.m. at the Thorntown Public Library. Everyone is welcome to attend.
For questions about the pow wow or the organization, email indianaaic@gmail.com or contact American Indian Council, Inc. through its Facebook page.
