Founders Day Features A Final Pow Wow

The feeling one gets at a pow wow is indescribable. The Founders Day Pow Wow is one of the most dramatic and highly attended of the Founders Day events; with over 200 participants, all in impressive costume, the show was amazing.

The Pow Wow began with the Grand Entrance of the participants, followed by the Veterans song, a Flag Song, and was followed by a prayer offered by Rosetta LeClair, a Ponka and Otoe American Indian of White Eagle, Oklahoma. Ms. LeClaire offered to the Great Spirit, who she called "Grandfather," thanks for every young man in the room who continue to keep the traditions of the American Indian alive today.

Bells sounded throughout the ice rink as spectators viewed the beauty and intricacy of the costuming. Every style of dance was represented at this year's pow wow. The Headman Dancers were the first place winners in each category: Southern Traditional: Zach L, Northern Traditional:  Max C, Old Style: Brian M, Grass: Zach C. Fancy: Michael C.

The drums at the event consisted of two hired drums and the first place winners in the drumming and singing contest. The first place for Southern Drum was Karankawa Lodge of the Gulf Coast Council and the first place Northern Drum was the "Midnight Rookies."

The American Indian Activities Committee sponsors a regalia contest every year in which persons who design and create their own American Indian regalia are evaluated. They are judged by persons who are knowledgeable in different areas of American Indian history. The competition offers participants and opportunity to receive feedback on their design and final product. The creation of American Indian regalia is an art and the participants are looking to improve their craft.

All the participants gave their best.  As the Pow Wow closed everyone was already starting to prepare for the next NOAC.