Photos from the
145th Quapaw Powwow,
courtesy of the Quapaw tribe
By Karen Rice
Official Kids Mag
Hey kids! Head to Quapaw,
in northeastern Oklahoma this
July to experience American
Indian traditions with the Quapaw
tribe. The tribe holds an annual
celebration called a powwow
over the 4th of July weekend
that includes dancing, contests,
vendors and plenty of family fun.
This is the 150th year of the
annual Quapaw Powwow. Come
celebrate the culture and history
of the Quapaw Tribe. Read on for
more about what the Powwow is
and what it celebrates.
What is a powwow?
The word powwow comes from
the Algonquian Indian word pau
wau, which means "he dreams."
The concept of powwows
originated among the tribes of
the Great Plains, from Canada
all the way to to the lower plains
of Texas. In the times before
Indian reservations, many Plains
Indian tribes formed alliances.
The "powwow" allowed different
tribes to share their songs, dances,
and ceremonies.
Today, powows are celebrations
that inspire cultural and personal
pride in American Indians. They
allow Indian tribes, families, and
individuals to come together to
feast, honor their ancestors, hear
their languages spoken, exchange
arts and crafts, sing, dance, and
uphold tribal customs. Modern
powwows are now open to non-
Native visitors as well, so that
everyone can learn more about
the rich heritage and traditions of
American Indians.
What will you see and do at
a powwow?
The most exciting parts of a
powwow are the drums, singers
and dancing. The drums and
singers provide the musical
accompaniment and the rhythm
for the dances. Powwow dancing
is so fun to watch. And you might
even be asked to participate in
some of the dances!
There are many styles of
dances, and the dancers wear
different regalia, or outfits, all with
different meanings. The dancers
use fans, shawls and other family
heirlooms and important items as
part of their dance.
What: 150th annual Quapaw Powwow
When: July 1st through July 4th, 2022
Where: Quapaw tribal Grounds
5681 s 630 Rd, Quapaw, OK 74363
cost: admission is free and open to the public
Photos from the 145th powwow:
www.quapawtribe.com/gallery.aspx?aID=140
www.OfficialKidsMag.com • July 2022 • 29
