Last Modified: Friday, October 28, 2011 1:56 PM

SPECIAL TO THE AMERICAN PRESS

KINDER — The swirling colors and rhythmic dances of an authentic Native American powwow come to life this weekend during the 17th annual Coushatta Pow Wow.
The Pow Wow showcases the cultural diversity of Native American tribes through music, dance, arts and food, today through Sunday at The Pavilion, located behind the Coushatta Casino Resort on U.S. 165, just north of Kinder.
“The Pow Wow is a time of gathering for many different Native Americans from across the United States and Canada,” Pow Wow Chairman Traci Poncho said. “It is a chance for us to get to know about each other’s traditions and a chance to meet new people. Most of these people travel to powwows all over, so it is like a reunion.”
Last year, nearly 400 Native American singers, dancers and drummers of all ages took part in the event. An even larger crowd is expected this year, Poncho said.
“Every year, the Coushatta Pow Wow Celebration has a significant meaning for our people,” Coushatta Tribe Chairman Kevin Sickey said. “Not only does this serve as a ‘gathering of all nations,’ but also as a ‘homecoming’ to our Coushatta Tribe. We have the honor of meeting new friends and welcoming back our friends from other tribes.”
Perhaps the most popular event during the Pow Wow is the grand entries, which involve hundreds of dancers dressed in colorful native regalia and full feathered headdresses.
“The Grand Entry is like a welcoming ceremony,” Poncho said. “ All the dancers come in from the elders to tiny tots. They are dancing their hearts out for being who they are.”
Flags are carried into the dance arena to honor all veterans and Native Americans.
Dance and drum competitions will be held throughout the three-day event with teams competing for more than $100,000 in cash prizes.
Traditional Native American arts and crafts and food will be available in the Marketplace, featuring more than 30 craft booths and nearly 20 food booths.
The Marketplace offers handmade crafts including jewelry, hand-woven pine needle baskets, paintings, carvings and other cultural items from tribes all over North America and Canada.
Authentic food including fry bread, Indian tacos, corn soup and more will be available.
Pow Wow T-shirts will also be available.
Admission is $5 per person daily, or free for ages 5 and under.
Proceeds from the Pow Wow will contribute to next year’s event, Poncho said.
For more information, visit www.coushattapowwow.com.
Here’s the schedule:

FRIDAY
4 p.m. —  Gates open to public.
5 p.m. — Gourd dancing.
7 p.m. — Grand Entry.
7:30 p.m. — All contests.
SATURDAY
10 a.m. — Gates open to public.
Noon — Gourd dancing.
1 p.m. — Grand Entry.
6 p.m. — Gourd dancing.
7 p.m. — Grand Entry.
11 p.m. — Closing ceremonies.
SUNDAY
10 a.m. — Gates open to public; Praise and Worship Service with Mike Pahsetopah, a member of the Euchee Tribe, from Sapulpa, Okla.
Noon — Grand Entry.
5 p.m. — Closing ceremonies.