Some dancers walk into a powwow and you already know something incredible is about to happen.
They’re the ones winning major contests and specials, travelling all summer long, taking care of their regalia and representing their families and communities. I’ve watched champions compete for years, and these are some of the dancers I want the world to know.
That’s why we’re bringing these matchups to Powwow Dance Championships #2 at the Red Deer Resort & Casino on October 24, 2026.
If you haven’t heard their names yet, that’s exactly why we’re doing this.
Main Event: Malcolm Murphy vs. Tristan Carter
Men’s Traditional Dance | United States vs. Canada
When I think of the top Men’s Traditional Dancers out there, Malcolm Murphy and Tristan Carter are two of the first names that come to mind.
Every powwow I seem to attend, these guys are winning. First in specials, first in contests. They’re consistently at the top of their category.
But there’s something else I respect: they’re family people. They carry themselves well, look after their outfits and genuinely love powwow. They’re out there all summer, travelling to as many gatherings as they can.
Malcolm is also an incredible powwow singer who sings with championship drum groups. That tells you how much this way of life means to him.
These are the role models I want our young people to see on a bigger stage. That’s why this battle is our main event.
Prairie Rose Jack vs. Amanda Goodwill
Women’s Jingle Dress Dance | United States vs. Canada
Talk about the top of the top in Jingle Dress Dancing.
Prairie Rose Jack has won some of the biggest championships out there. Amanda Goodwill, from Treaty 4 territory in Saskatchewan, is one of our great Canadian champions—but she wins all over Canada and the United States.
Here’s how close I think this matchup is: if they battled ten times, I could see Amanda winning five and Prairie Rose winning five.
Both bring their own beautiful, unique styles. This is the kind of competition I want people outside our powwow world to discover.
Ira McNab vs. Wambdi Clairmont
Men’s Grass Dance | Treaty 4 vs. Lakota Country
Man, this is one of the battles I’m most excited about.
Ira McNab comes from Treaty 4 territory. Wambdi Clairmont is a Lakota dancer from the Colorado area.
These two Grass Dancers are smooth. They understand the music, know how to move and know how to get a crowd excited. When you want to show somebody what top-notch Grass Dancing looks like, these guys are an incredible representation.
They’re absolute fire, and I can’t wait to see them go head-to-head.
Why We’re Putting Our Champions in the Spotlight
Inside the powwow world, these names mean something. Outside our communities, so many people have never heard of them.
I want to change that. I want the world to know our champions, follow their stories and recognize their talent. I want our kids to have heroes who look like them and come from communities like theirs.
I want dancers to have more opportunities for sponsorships, recognition and meaningful earnings from the talent they’ve worked so hard to develop.
That’s the bigger reason behind the Championships. Read Why I Created the Powwow Dance Championships to learn more about that vision.
Never Been to a Powwow? You’re Invited Too
You don’t need to know these dancers to enjoy the show. We’ll introduce them, share their stories and let the drums and dancing speak for themselves.
Check out our first-time visitor’s guide to learn what to expect.
Come See the Battles Live in Red Deer
Powwow Dance Championships #2
Saturday, October 24, 2026
Red Deer Resort & Casino, Red Deer, Alberta
These three battles are part of a bigger championship lineup. Come cheer for your favourite dancers, bring your kids and help us take powwow to a world stage.
Tickets and event information: www.pwtpowwow.com.
— Patrick Mitsuing, Founder of Powwow Times and the Powwow Dance Championships
