The Red Canyon Powwow is back and celebrating its third year at the Old Spanish Trail Arena. Hosted by the nonprofit Cultural Fire Events, the event will feature dancing and singing from many of the eight tribes of the Southwest.
“Anyone who is part of the powwow society dances,” said Jacob Crane, Executive Director of Cultural Fire Events. “It’s a celebration and a gathering that brings people from all over to celebrate. Coming together in this way supports building bridges and networks within the tribes of the Southwest. It helps reinforce and strengthen economies, friendships, and the traditional ways of being part of a tribe of Utah and the Southwest.”
Throughout the weekend-long event, both women and men will compete in multiple dance categories, including Jingle, Fancy, and Traditional. While the powwow is traditionally centered around dancing and singing, it also offers many more activities for all ages to participate in.
A new event will be introduced this year – outdoor breakaway and roping rodeo. “We try to survey and learn how to improve each year,” Crane said. “One of the biggest things that came to mind this year was how we continue to grow the powwow. We hope that in the years to come, this will grow into a larger festival, incorporating a youth conference, softball, golf, and an expanded rodeo. Growth on that level takes years to develop, and we’re calling on the community to stop by, visit, and support.”
In addition to watching the performances, visitors can experience traditional Indigenous cuisine and an arts and crafts marketplace. Navajo tacos, Indian tacos, fry bread, and mutton stew are some of the meals available for purchase, in addition to a wide variety of Native cuisine representative of the powwow tradition. Crane is excited to share the “soul food” element that foods at powwows are all about.
Artisans will be on-site selling jewelry, paintings, and artistry, allowing the public to purchase Indigenous art directly from the source. This is only sometimes the case in the Southwest, where many of these items are sold indirectly at larger stores. By purchasing at the powwow, attendees can directly impact small businesses in the local Indigenous economy.
When asked about the most rewarding part of the event, Crane said, “Seeing young people connect with elders to learn their traditional teachings is always a special moment; I always have a good little cry at the end of an event like this.”
General admission for the weekend is $10 for both days. Gates open at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 19th, and close at 10:30 p.m. On Sunday, gates reopen at 11 a.m. and close at 5:30 p.m. Children, veterans, and elders get in for $5. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and umbrellas for shade.
If you are interested in volunteering for this event, contact Jacob Crane at culturalfireevents@gmail.com.
