Tulsa Powwow celebrates its 60th year at event Friday through Sunday
BY BRAVETTA HASSELL World Scene Writer
Thursday, July 26, 2012
7/26/12 at 5:26 AM
The Tulsa Indian Club presents the 60th annual Tulsa Powwow beginning 7 p.m. Friday and running through Sunday at the Spirit Bank Event Center, 10441 S. Regal Blvd.
Powwow chairman Jim Anquoe said this year's event will have some differences from previous years but with the same focal point: interaction between tribes.
The Tulsa Powwow, which started informally in 1947 and became an event of the Tulsa Indian Club in 1952, has historically brought northern and southern American Indian tribes of Oklahoma together, Anquoe said.
"We always try to create an atmosphere where dancers are comfortable," Anquoe said. "We have northern and southern style singing, and we are going to have a four-man singing contest."
The competition is around a big drum and situated in such a way that four voices can really showcase their strength.
In addition to that contest are a host of other competitions, including fancy, grass, straight and traditional dress, team dance and drums.
Arts and crafts vendors will also be featured, as well as a few dances that haven't been seen at Tulsa Powwow recently.
The 2011-2012 Tulsa Powwow Princess, Robynn Roan Daylight Rulo, will be recognized during the three-day event.
Anquoe said the traditional snake dance and buffalo dance are among the gathering's biggest draws that bring in people from as far as Albuquerque, N.M., Phoenix and farther.
The powwow is important for the children, Anquoe said. Especially those whose own tribes don't do social dancing.
"We all work, but when it comes to your leisure time, there is nothing Indian around you to speak of," Anquoe said. "Its just a wonderful place to touch on being an Indian."
And it's one way for kids to keep in touch, he said.
General admission to the Tulsa Powwow is $5 per day.
For more information, visit tulsaworld.com/tulsapowwow, or call Jim Anquoe at 405-262-5564 or email tulsaindianclub@gmail.com.
Original Print Headline: Tulsa Powwow
Bravetta Hassell 918-581-8316
bravetta.hassell@tulsaworld.com
Associated Images:
Singers play the drums during the 58th Annual Tulsa Powwow at the Spirit Center in Bixby in 2010. Tulsa World file photo
Sonny Eppinette (right), who is from Hominy and the Pawnee/Osage and Otoe tribal groups, helps his son, Cecil Eppinette, get ready during the Tulsa Powwow in 2011. Tulsa World file photo
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