returning to Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction, CO, from March 28-30, 2025. Hosted at the CMU Brownson Arena, this powwow promises a weekend filled with spectacular dancing, powerful drumming, and rich cultural traditions.
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Pow Wow Highlights
This three-day event will bring together talented dancers, drum groups, and spectators from across the nation. With over $49,000 in prizes, the drum contest is one of the major highlights, featuring incredible performances and a top prize of $6,000 for the winning group!
Grand Entries:
- Friday, March 28: 7:00 PM
- Saturday, March 29: 1:00 PM & 7:00 PM
- Sunday, March 30: 1:00 PM
Drum Roll Call:
- Friday: 6:45 PM
- Saturday: 12:45 PM & 6:45 PM
- Sunday: 12:45 PM
Gourd Dance Times:
- Friday: 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM & 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM
Dance Categories & Prizes
Dancers of all ages will showcase their talent in various categories, including Fancy, Jingle, Grass, Chicken, and Traditional dances. Categories include:
- Tiny-Tots (0-6 years) – Paid daily
- Jr. Girls & Jr. Boys (7-12 years) – Prize range: $75-$300
- Teen Girls & Teen Boys (13-17 years) – Prize range: $200-$400
- Adult Women & Men (18-49 years) – Prize range: $300-$800
- Golden Age (50+ years) – Prize range: $300-$1,000
Meet the Head Staff
This powwow features an outstanding lineup of respected leaders in the powwow community:
- MC: Jackson Rollingthunder Tahuka (Loonlake, Saskatchewan, Canada)
- Co-MC: Steve LaPointe (Denver, CO)
- Arena Director: Aaron McDonald (Alee, Montana)
- Drum Judge: Mike Wegner (Starr School, Montana)
- Host Northern Drum: White Swan Singers
- Host Southern Drum: Redhand
- Head Gourd Dancer: Andrew Osife (Gonado, AZ)
- Spiritual Tribal Elder: Orrin Wing (Cortez, CO)
Vendor & Lodging Information
Looking for a place to stay? Lodging details can be found at wsnarc.org/pow-wow-lodging. Vendor space is limited, so be sure to sign up now at wsnarc.org/pow-wow.
Attending the 2nd Annual Grand Mesa Pow Wow in Grand Junction, Colorado, offers not only a rich cultural experience but also the opportunity to explore a variety of local attractions. Here are some recommendations to enhance your visit:
Explore the Great Outdoors
- Colorado National Monument: Experience breathtaking red rock formations, deep canyons, and scenic vistas. Activities include hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography. en.wikipedia.org
- Grand Mesa: Known as the world’s largest flat-top mountain, Grand Mesa offers hiking trails, fishing lakes, and stunning panoramic views. visitgrandjunction.com
- McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area: Home to the second-largest concentration of natural arches in the world, this area is ideal for hiking and exploring unique geological formations. en.wikipedia.org
Cultural and Historical Sites
- Museum of the West: Discover the rich history of the region, including Native American artifacts, at this downtown museum. globalphile.com
- Cross Orchards Historic Site: Step back in time at this living history museum showcasing early 20th-century orchard life. en.wikipedia.org
Local Shopping
- Old Friends Trading Company: Explore authentic Native American jewelry, rugs, pottery, and more at this locally owned shop. facebook.com
- Southwest Thunder Indian Art: Discover a diverse collection of Native American art and crafts, reflecting the rich heritage of indigenous peoples. mapquest.com
Dining and Wineries
- Local Eateries: Downtown Grand Junction offers a variety of dining options, from casual cafes to fine dining, ensuring a delightful culinary experience.
- Wineries: The Grand Valley is home to numerous wineries offering tours and tastings, allowing you to sample regional wines.
By exploring these attractions, you can enrich your visit to the Grand Mesa Pow Wow and gain a deeper appreciation for the culture, history, and natural beauty of Grand Junction, Colorado.
Why You Should Attend
The 2nd Annual Grand Mesa Pow Wow is more than just a competition—it’s a celebration of Native American culture, heritage, and unity. Whether you’re a seasoned powwow-goer or experiencing one for the first time, this event is sure to leave you inspired.
Don’t miss out! Mark your calendars for March 28-30, 2025, and join us for a weekend of unforgettable performances and cultural pride.
Grand Mesa Pow Wow FAQs
1. What is the Grand Mesa Pow Wow?
The Grand Mesa Pow Wow is an annual Native American cultural event featuring traditional dancing, drumming, and singing competitions. It brings together tribes from across North America to celebrate indigenous heritage.
2. Is the event open to the public?
Yes! The powwow welcomes everyone—both Native and non-Native attendees—to experience the rich traditions, music, and dances of indigenous cultures.
3. How much does it cost to attend?
Admission details will be available on the official website (wsnarc.org/pow-wow), but powwows typically have daily entrance fees or donation-based entries to support the event.
4. Can I participate in the dancing or drumming?
Only registered dancers and drum groups can compete, but many powwows have intertribal dances where visitors are invited to join in!
5. Are there food and craft vendors at the powwow?
Yes! The event will feature Native American artisans, traditional foods like frybread and Indian tacos, and a variety of cultural items for sale.
6. What is Grand Junction known for?
Grand Junction is famous for its scenic beauty, wineries, and outdoor recreation, including the stunning Colorado National Monument and Grand Mesa—the world’s largest flat-top mountain.
7. What are the best outdoor activities near Grand Junction?
Visitors love hiking, biking, fishing, and exploring spots like McInnis Canyons, Rattlesnake Arches, and Powderhorn Mountain Resort for skiing in winter.
8. Where are the best places to eat in Grand Junction?
Some popular spots include Bin 707 Foodbar for farm-to-table dining, Rockslide Brewery for craft beer, and TacoParty for amazing street tacos.
9. Is Grand Junction family-friendly?
Absolutely! Families can enjoy attractions like the Children’s Nature Center, Bananas Fun Park, and the Western Colorado Botanical Gardens.
10. How do I get to Grand Junction?
Grand Junction is accessible via Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT), Interstate 70, and the Amtrak California Zephyr train, which stops in town daily.
