49th Annual American Indian Council Powwow: A Celebration of Culture and Community

Mark Your Calendars for an Unforgettable Powwow Experience!

If you’re looking for an incredible weekend filled with vibrant culture, mesmerizing dance performances, and the rhythmic heartbeat of the drum, then you won’t want to miss the 49th Annual American Indian Council Powwow! Taking place on March 28-29, 2025, at the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse, Montana State University in Bozeman, MT, this powwow promises to be a celebration like no other.

Themed “Empowering One Another”, this year’s event highlights the strength, unity, and resilience of Indigenous communities. Best of all? Admission is completely free!

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Grand Entries & Headlining Events

The grand entries are the heart of the powwow, featuring dancers in stunning regalia moving to the powerful beat of the drum. Make sure you’re in your seat for these spectacular moments:

• Friday at 5 PM
• Saturday at 11 AM & 5 PM

These grand entries will showcase dancers from across North America, bringing their energy, pride, and tradition to the arena. Expect a breathtaking sight as dancers of all ages enter in unison, led by the head staff.

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Meet the Head Staff

This powwow wouldn’t be possible without the dedicated head staff who bring experience, knowledge, and leadership to the event. Here are some of the key figures who will guide the weekend’s activities:

• Host Drum: Southern Cree
• Masters of Ceremony: Don Racine & Chico Her Many Horses
• Head Woman Dancer: Ella Westant
• Head Man Dancer: Ryan Old Coyote
• Arena Directors: Ryan Old Coyote & Walter Runs Above
• Head Judge: JD Dance
• Head Singing Judge: Randy Medicine Bear

Additionally, the Northern Cheyenne Color Guard will bring honor and respect to the powwow, ensuring that traditions are upheld with dignity.

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Special Events & Competitions

Aside from the dancing and drumming competitions, there are several other exciting activities taking place:

Singing Contest – Open to all drums and singers! Whether you’re an experienced singer or just want to immerse yourself in the rich sound of powwow music, this is an opportunity to showcase talent and tradition.

Powwow Basketball Tournament – If you love sports, you won’t want to miss this thrilling tournament! For more info, call (406) 599-1311 or email powwobball@gmail.com.

Royalty Pageant – Celebrating young leaders in the community, this event crowns ambassadors who will represent Native culture throughout the year.

Alumni Brunch – Hosted on Saturday, March 29 at 9 AM, this is a great opportunity for former students and powwow attendees to reconnect. RSVP at RSVP@MSUAF.ORG.

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Spotlight on Royalty & AIC Officers

Each year, outstanding young individuals are chosen to represent the powwow as royalty. Here are the 2025 titleholders:

• Miss Indian MSU: Kelsey Mad Plume
• Miss Teen MSU: Dayayn WhiteMan
• Miss Junior MSU: Mary Jade Birdinground
• Miss Tiny Tot MSU: Jaislyn Chandler

The American Indian Council (AIC) officers play a crucial role in organizing this powwow. Led by co-presidents Nathan Brockie and Brandon Morrison, this dedicated team has put in months of hard work to bring the event to life.

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Why You Should Attend This Powwow

Powwows are more than just events—they are a living expression of Native identity. Whether you are Native or non-Native, attending a powwow is a chance to witness Indigenous culture firsthand, appreciate the beauty of traditional dances, and connect with an incredible community.

Expect to see: Traditional and fancy dances Stunning handmade regalia Delicious Native food Artisan vendors selling authentic crafts A welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere

Whether you come to dance, sing, learn, or simply observe, the 49th Annual AIC Powwow promises to be an unforgettable experience!

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Plan Your Visit

Location: Brick Breeden Fieldhouse, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT
Dates: March 28-29, 2025
Admission: FREE

For more details, contact AICOFMSU@GMAIL.COM or follow the Montana State University American Indian Council for updates.

Reminder: This is a drug- and alcohol-free event. Respect the space and culture by honoring this rule.

15 frequently asked questions (FAQ) about Bozeman, Montana

1. Where is Bozeman, Montana located?

Bozeman is in southwestern Montana, nestled in the Gallatin Valley and surrounded by the Rocky Mountains. It’s about 90 miles north of Yellowstone National Park.

2. What is Bozeman known for?

Bozeman is famous for its outdoor recreation, including skiing, hiking, fishing, and proximity to Yellowstone. It’s also home to Montana State University (MSU) and a thriving arts and food scene.

3. What’s the best time to visit Bozeman?

It depends on what you want to do!

• Summer (June-August) – Best for hiking, fishing, and Yellowstone visits.
• Winter (December-March) – Ideal for skiing and snowboarding.
• Fall & Spring – Fewer crowds, beautiful scenery, and milder weather.

4. How do I get to Bozeman?

• By Air: The Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) has direct flights from many major U.S. cities.
• By Car: Bozeman is located on Interstate 90 (I-90), about 2 hours west of Billings.

5. What are the top outdoor activities in Bozeman?

• Hiking: The “M” Trail, Hyalite Canyon, and Gallatin National Forest.
• Skiing & Snowboarding: Bridger Bowl and Big Sky Resort.
• Fly Fishing: Blue-ribbon trout streams like the Gallatin and Madison Rivers.
• Wildlife Watching: Elk, moose, bears, and bald eagles are common.

6. What is the weather like in Bozeman?

Bozeman experiences all four seasons:

• Winters (Dec-Feb) can be cold, with heavy snow and temps from 10°F to 30°F.
• Summers (June-Aug) are warm and dry, averaging 70°F to 85°F.
• Spring & Fall bring mild temperatures and beautiful scenery.

7. What’s the altitude of Bozeman?

Bozeman sits at 4,820 feet (1,470 meters) above sea level, which means visitors may experience mild altitude effects.

8. Is Bozeman expensive?

Yes, Bozeman has a higher cost of living than many other Montana cities, especially for housing. However, there are budget-friendly lodging and dining options available.

9. What are some must-see attractions in Bozeman?

• Museum of the Rockies – Famous for its dinosaur fossils and natural history exhibits.
• Bozeman Hot Springs – Relax in natural mineral pools.
• Downtown Bozeman – A lively area with shops, restaurants, and galleries.
• Palisade Falls – A scenic waterfall hike in Hyalite Canyon.

10. How far is Bozeman from Yellowstone National Park?

Bozeman is about 90 miles (1.5-hour drive) from the north entrance of Yellowstone, making it a great base for exploring the park.

11. Where are the best places to eat in Bozeman?

• Montana Ale Works – Local craft beer and farm-to-table dishes.
• Blackbird Kitchen – Italian-inspired, wood-fired cuisine.
• Jam! – A favorite breakfast and brunch spot.
• The Nova Café – Excellent coffee and locally sourced ingredients.

12. What are the best ski resorts near Bozeman?

• Bridger Bowl (20 miles away) – Affordable, family-friendly, and great for all skill levels.
• Big Sky Resort (50 miles away) – One of the largest ski resorts in North America, known for world-class skiing.

13. Is Bozeman a good place to live?

Yes! Bozeman is consistently ranked as one of the best small towns to live in the U.S. due to its quality of life, outdoor recreation, and strong community. However, housing prices have increased in recent years.

14. What major events happen in Bozeman?

• Music on Main (Summer) – Free live music in downtown Bozeman.
• Bozeman Ice Festival (Winter) – Celebrating ice climbing and winter sports.
• Montana State University Homecoming – A big event for the local college community.
• American Indian Council Powwow – One of the largest powwows in Montana.

15. What should I pack for a trip to Bozeman?

• In summer: Light layers, hiking boots, sunscreen, and a hat.
• In winter: Heavy coat, snow boots, gloves, and thermal layers.
• Year-round: A rain jacket and comfortable walking shoes.

Final Thoughts

The 49th Annual American Indian Council Powwow is shaping up to be one of the best yet! Whether you’re a longtime attendee or this will be your first time experiencing a powwow, you won’t want to miss this incredible event.

Will you be attending this powwow? Let us know in the comments below! And don’t forget to share this post with friends and family who might be interested.

Tag us in your photos and use #AICPowwow2025 to be featured!

See you in Bozeman!