Fremont County, WY – Everyone is welcome to experience Native American Indian dancing at big traditional dance gatherings on the Wind River Indian Reservation—called powwows. Wyoming’s Wind River Country/Fremont County also offers weekly cultural performances in Lander and Riverton open to the public (see below: 2016 Powwow events schedule).
Powwows can be traced back to pre-European times when Plains Indians used dance to honor tribal members, recognize important events, and seek protection for brave warriors and hunters. Drumming and singing accompanies all dancing and the drumbeat is considered sacred, representing the heartbeat of the tribe. Each thumping note carries songs to the Great Spirit, along with the prayers of the people.
Today, powwows have a special etiquette and have become an important way for all Native Americans to keep their culture and traditions alive. There are two resident Indian tribes in Wind River Country: the Eastern Shoshone and the Northern Arapaho. If you look closely, you’ll be able to pick out their traditional colors and motifs in their meticulously hand–made dancing regalia.
These rare chances to witness living history are offered almost every week from May to mid-September in the shadow of the Wind River Mountains. Learn about both tribal cultures and dance along in the “Friendship dance” for a memory you’ll never forget. Mark your calendar, print this powwow schedule, dust off those dancing shoes and make that dream come true - only in Wind River Country.
MAY
May 7 RivertonWind River Casino Native American Team Dance Contest. Performances from the nation’s best dancers. Registration 3:30pm-dancing at 4pm. 349-9656, 349- 6534, 10269 Hwy. 789, windriverhotelcasino.com
May 7Riverton Central Wyoming College United Tribes Spring Powwow. Watch colorful Native American Indian dancers and drummers. 6pm-11pm. cwc.edu/powwow
May 27-28 Ethete Chief Yellow Calf Memorial Club Powwow. Rodeo grounds near Blue Sky Hall, 506 Ethete Rd., Grand Entry: Fri. 7pm & Sat. 6pm, 332-5286, info@windriver.org, aldene.skypeople@yahoo.com
JUNE
June 7, 14, 21, 28 RivertonNorthern Arapaho Native American Song and Dance performed every Tuesday. 6pm. 840-5805, 855-2600, windriverhotelcasino.com
June 15, 22 & 29 Lander Eagle Spirit Dancers Traditional Native American Indian Dancing every Wednesday. 7pm. 335-8778, amwest@wyoming.com, museumoftheamericanwest.com
June 24-26 Fort Washakie 57th Eastern Shoshone Indian Days, Powwow, Indian Rodeo and Relay Races. Wyoming’s largest powwow with over 700 dancers. 349-7089, mcbuck2th@hotmail.com, easternshoshonetribe.org
JULY
July 5, 12, 19, 26Riverton Northern Arapaho Native American Song and Dance performed every Tuesday. 6pm. 840-5805, 855-2600, windriverhotelcasino.com
July 6, 13, 20, 27 Lander Eagle Spirit Dancers Traditional Native American Indian Dancing every Wednesday. 7pm. 335-8778, amwest@wyoming.com, museumoftheamericanwest.com
July 22-24 Ethete Celebration & Indian Powwow. Dancers, traditional crafts, and Indian foods.Ethete Road and US Hwy. 132. Call Rose at 332-2992, info@windriver.org
AUGUST
Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 RivertonNorthern Arapaho Native American Song and Dance performed every Tuesday. 6pm. 840-5805, 855-2600, windriverhotelcasino.com
Aug. 3, 10Lander Eagle Spirit Dancers Traditional Native American Indian Dancing every Wednesday. 7pm. 335-8778, amwest@wyoming.com, museumoftheamericanwest.com
Aug. 6 Lander 8th Annual Riverfest Art and Music Festival. Regional artists, craft demonstrations, Native American Indian Dancers, and live bands. 9am-8pm. 332-5772, landerartcenter.com
Aug. 26-28 Arapahoe 62nd Northern Arapaho Indian Powwow, Wyoming’s oldest Native American Powwow with dancers Indian foods and tribal vendors. Arapahoe Powwow Grounds. 240-0963, 332-2646, info@windriver.org, northernarapaho.com
SEPTEMBER
Sept. 15-17 Lander 76th One Shot Antelope Hunt: world-class hunt, auction, banquet, and Native American ceremonial dancing. 332-8190, 332-3892, oneshotantelopehunt.com/history/one-shot-antelope-hunt/, landerchamber.com,
*Don’t forget to use our hashtag #windrivercountry when you share your Wind River Country memories.
Related Links: Lander Chamber of Commerce, Riverton Chamber of Commerce, Dubois Chamber of Commerce, Destination Dubois
For a complete calendar of events go to www.windriver.org/calendar. To request a vacation packet, please visit us at Wind River Country or call 800-645-6233. Pioneer your own adventure in Wind River Country
About Wind River Country/Fremont County
Wyoming’s Wind River Country is the authentic, untamed West. It holds the answers to your adventurous spirit. Come discover new things like the best route to Yellowstone, see an Indian powwow, ride a horse or holler at a rodeo, pan for real gold, and hike in country that will take your breath away. Find the pace to think, the room to breathe, and the uncontrived adventure to rejuvenate your soul in Wind River Country.
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