On Saturday, the University of Texas at Arlington’s Esports Stadium hosted the North Texas Powwow, a collaboration between the UTA Native American Student Association and IndigiCommunity, marking the first time the IndigiCommunity powwow was held in Arlington after moving from Dallas. According to The Shortorn, the indoor venue allowed attendees to hear drums echoing and bells on dancers’ regalia fill the space.

Powwows have served as a cultural celebration for Native peoples for over a century, featuring dance, song and community connection. The event included traditional dancing, gourd dancing, drumming contests, and vendors selling Indigenous art and trinkets.

One of the featured performers was 47‑year‑old Oklahoma resident JR Lonelodge, who wore regalia with lime‑green, orange and red fringe, black panels with white, black, red and orange beads, and a headpiece of golden eagle feathers. Lonelodge performed a war dance, also known as men’s fancy dance, a style noted for fast footwork, spins, jumps and rapid directional changes, according to Powwow Times.

Lonelodge explained that he began dancing after his grandfather, a world champion war dancer, introduced him to the style. “The only thing I had on was my baby diaper and my bottle, and I was jamming out with the men,” he said, adding that he has since won a national championship in the war dance.

First‑time powwow attendee Danyle Reed, a 36‑year‑old resident of Denton, Texas, said she came after a friend’s invitation and appreciated the opportunity to experience a new culture. Reed highlighted the “beautiful designs of the regalia and jewelry” and noted the respect shown by participants, saying, “There’s no touching the way that they do their beauty.”

Samson Dewey, a UTA alumnus and former president of the Native American Student Association, praised the indoor setting for its proximity to campus, noting that “definitely the dancers” were the event’s biggest draw. The powwow provided Arlington residents with a chance to engage directly with Indigenous traditions, fostering cultural understanding and community ties.

While no future powwow dates were announced, organizers indicated interest in making the event an annual fixture in Arlington, suggesting that residents can look forward to more opportunities to experience Indigenous culture in the city.

Sources: theshorthorn.com