Inter-Tribal Powwow

Inter-Tribal Powwow

About the Event

The Inter-Tribal Powwow highlights Native American culture from across the United States. Indigenous people gather here for dancing, singing, drumming and honoring ancestral traditions. Dancers go head-to-head in thrilling competition for top honors and over $35,000 in prize money.

All are welcome to attend, with free admission for competitors and spectators. Participants and spectators must bring their own seating. No pets allowed.

Important Dates

Categories & Awards

Divisions

Golden Age (Ages 62 & Up)
  • Men: Southern Straight, Northern Traditional, Fancy, Grass, Chicken Dance
  • Women: Southern Buckskin, Cloth, Northern Traditional, Fancy, Jingle, Cherokee Tear Dress*
Adult Division (Ages 18-61)
  • Men: Southern Straight, Northern Traditional, Fancy, Grass, Chicken Dance
  • Women: Southern Buckskin, Cloth, Northern Traditional, Fancy, Jingle, Cherokee Tear Dress*
Teen Division (Ages 13-17)
  • Boys: Southern Straight, Northern Traditional, Fancy, Grass
  • Girls: Cloth, Buckskin, Shawl, Jingle
Junior Division (Ages 7-12)
  • Boys: Southern Straight, Northern Traditional, Fancy, Grass
  • Girls: Cloth, Buckskin, Shawl, Jingle
Tiny Tots Division (Ages 6 & Under)
  • Open to all children in dance regalia
*All dancers participating in the following dance must be Cherokee National, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (“EBCI”), or United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma (“UKB”) citizens to qualify.

Eligibility & Rules

All dancers must meet the following eligibility criteria:
  • All dancers must register in person
  • Participants in the grand entries are required to wear full regalia to qualify
  • Points are given for each grand entry
  • All decisions are final by the committee

Environmentally Friendly Reservation

Supporting Our Commitment

Osiyo, as good stewards of our Earth, the Cherokee Nation is committed to creating a more environmentally friendly reservation. In 2024, Chief Hoskin and Deputy Chief Warner signed an Executive Order to limit the use of single-use plastics, and we took the first steps toward implementing this initiative.

Now, in its third year, we are continuing to build on this commitment by further reducing plastic waste at the Cherokee National Holiday. This year, the use of plastic and Styrofoam containers remains prohibited as part of your vendor contract. This specifically includes food serving containers, utensils, cups, and beverages sold in plastic bottles.

We appreciate the progress made and ask for your continued support in using alternative, eco-friendly packaging such as biodegradable containers, paper products, and reusable materials. By working together, we can strengthen our efforts to reduce the environmental impact of our events and promote a more sustainable approach to food and beverage service. We thank you for your cooperation and for being part of this important initiative. We look forward to another successful and environmentally responsible Cherokee National Holiday.

Event Details

In-Person Registration
Friday, September 4
4:00 PM
 – 6:30 PM
Friday
 – Saturday
September 4
 – September 5
Powwow Coordinator

In-Person Registration

Registration will be open on September 4
 from 4:00 PM
 to 6:30 PM.

Schedule of Events

Sep

4

Dancer Registration

Friday
September 4
4:00 PM
 – 6:30 PM

Cherokee Nation Cultural Grounds

Sep

4

Grand Entry

Friday
September 4
7:00 PM

Cherokee Nation Cultural Grounds

Sep

5

Gourd Dance

Saturday
September 5
2:00 PM
 – 5:00 PM

Cherokee Nation Cultural Grounds

Sep

5

Grand Entry

Saturday
September 5
7:00 PM

Cherokee Nation Cultural Grounds

Inter-Tribal Powwow Head Staff

Emcees

Rob Daugherty, Cherokee, Jay, OK
Archie Mason, Cherokee and Osage, Tulsa, OK

Arena Directors

Berbon Hamilton, Osage, Pawhuska, OK
Mark Wilson, Cherokee, Tulsa, OK

Color Guard

Cherokee Nation Veterans Color Guard

Head Gourd Clan

Cherokee Gourd Society

Head Man

Chris Cote’, Osage, Pawhuska, OK

Head Lady

Geneva Horsechief-Hamilton, Osage, Pawnee, Potawatomi & Blackfeet, Pawhuska, OK

Head Dance Judge

Zack Morris, Sac & Fox, McCloud, OK

Invited Drums

Host Southern: Southern Thunder, Pawnee, OK
Host Northern: Big Soldier Creek, Mayetta, KS
Invited Southern: Park Hill Singers, Tahlequah, OK
Invited Northern: Ocese Band, Shawnee, OK