16th Annual Alabama-Coushatta Children's Powwow

A powwow that is different from other powwows? and why is it different you ask? The Children?s Powwow honors toddlers, youth, and teens from 0-18 years old in a fun-filled day with competition dancing throughout the day. The 16th Annual Alabama-Coushatta Children?s Powwow is scheduled for Saturday, January 25, 2014 and will be held in the Multi-Purpose Center located on the Indian Reservation. Gourd dancing will start at 11 AM and will be followed by the Grand Entry of all dancers at 12 noon. Inter-tribal dancing and the first round of competition dancing will be held throughout the day with a supper break scheduled for 5 PM. Gourd dancing will again resume at 6 PM followed by the final Grand Entry for the evening at 7 PM. The Children?s Powwow first began in 1996, and was brought from an idea that was witnessed by its Chairman, Delbert Johnson. Mr. Johnson had been to a powwow honoring children in Oklahoma and he thought it would be a great idea to have something of this nature brought to the Alabama-Coushatta reservation. So Mr. Johnson met with then Tribal Administrator, Joann Battise, and the idea was brought forth to the Tribal Council, who approved it. That set the stage for the first Children?s Powwow in November of 1996. But with conflicting events associated with other powwows, the event was moved to the last Sunday in January and has been in place ever since. The powwow has continued except for a couple of years where it had to be cancelled due to death in the community. Throughout the years, the Children?s Powwow has continued to grow; attracting dancers from as far away as Oklahoma, Kansas, New Mexico, and Alabama. Anywhere from 50-100 dancers are expected for this year?s powwow. Vendors selling homemade crafts from beadwork to jewelry and other items will be available for sale. Plus, Indian tacos and frybread will be sold in the concession area. There is no admission fee to the Children?s Powwow. Mr. Johnson stated, ?I want the powwow to always be a free and fun-filled event for the kids and open to any visitors.? Plenty of bleacher seating is available.