Durant, Oklahoma – The Choctaw Nation’s annual powwow opened this week as the centerpiece of Native American Heritage Month. The three‑day celebration has drawn roughly 500 dancers and ten drum groups from across the United States and Canada, all competing for more than $200,000 in prize money.
Community welcomes visitors
“It just brings good vibes and good medicine for everyone that comes,” said Kerrie Steve, a representative of the Choctaw Nation. Steve emphasized that the event showcases the Nation’s hospitality, noting, “It’s refreshing that people know Choctaw people and they know that we’re going to treat them well whenever they get here.”
The powwow provides an opportunity for members of other tribes to meet Choctaw citizens, learn about their traditions, and build lasting friendships. “We’ve got people that come that see each other from year to year and make new friends as well,” Steve added.
Dancers speak about fellowship
Long‑time dancer Charlie Taylor described the gathering as a celebration of fellowship, family and food. “It’s all about everybody getting together and fellowship and visiting family and friends and having a good time, eating a lot of good food and dancing and just enjoying ourselves,” he said.
Another participant, Aydrian Day, highlighted the chance to reunite with relatives who live far away. “We’re just ready to dance the whole weekend, have a great time. Really fun to see all my Oklahoma relatives and see all my family that I don’t get to see often,” Day explained.
Day also praised the consistency of the event, stating, “Without fail, this powwow is great songs, great dancing, and just happy to be here every year. It gives me great happiness to just dance my way and learn my culture.” He encouraged first‑time attendees to join, noting the personal growth and connections the powwow offers.
Public access and schedule
Doors open to the public for the final day on Sunday morning at 10 a.m., allowing community members and visitors to experience the performances, competitions and cultural activities.
Steve summed up the significance of the gathering, “It’s really heartwarming whenever I see all of our people in one place that can get together, celebrate together and have good fellowship and be there for one another and not have to worry about the things that are going on in everyday life. This is a place of good medicine. Everybody can come together and just have a good time.”
Original reporting: KXII News 12 (Gray) — read the source article.
