For 35 years, the Fort Omaha Intertribal Powwow has brought Native American cultural traditions, education and community connection to Metropolitan Community College’s (mccneb.edu) Fort Omaha Campus. The annual event took place on Sept. 12 inside the MCC Center for Advanced and Emerging Technology on the Fort Omaha Campus.
The free, family-friendly event will featured traditional Native American dance, music, artistry, oral history and food, with participants representing tribes throughout Nebraska and the surrounding region, including the Omaha, Ponca, Santee Sioux and Winnebago.
This year’s powwow carried the theme “Building Bridges” and was hosted with support from BNSF Railway Foundation, Douglas County Visitors Improvement Fund, the Nebraska Arts Council and Nebraska Cultural Endowment and Whitmore Charitable Trust. The event provided an opportunity for cultural exchange and education while celebrating the rich traditions of Native American communities.
Event highlights and representatives:
- Reigning Powwow Princess: Teyanna Runnels (Santee Sioux)
- Emcee: Taylor Cheii Begay (Diné)
- Head Man Dancer: Gabriel Barea (Umoⁿ hoⁿ)
- Head Lady Dancer: Noni Stabler (Umoⁿ hoⁿ)
- Host Northern Drum: Dakota Boys (Dakota)
- Host Southern Drum: Omaha Rough Riders (Umoⁿ hoⁿ)
- Arena Director: Waylon LaPlante (Isanti/Dakota)
- Head Princess Judge: Leah Gossard (Umoⁿ hoⁿ/MHA)
For more information, email Brian Ayers bmayers@mccneb.edu or call (531) MCC-2725.