Annual Coushatta Powwow

About the Event

The Coushatta Powwow is one of the largest in North America, and is truly a one-of-a-kind experience.

Be sure to witness a Grand Entry, a rhythmic march that opens the competitions, when all of the dancers in full regalia claim the Dancing Ground to the accompaniment of tribal drums and singers.

This is a family-friendly event offering a look at the fascinating culture and heritage of Native Americans.

Dance and Drum Competitions:

Drum Competitions:

Feel the Power and Excitement

The drum is the heartbeat and central pulse of the Powwow.

There are always one or several groups of singers who sing as the beat in unison to the rhythm on a large drum. Each drum has a lead singer and a “second” who repeats the lead line on a different or similar key.

Good drums are always in demand at powwows and become very popular. Drums take turns and often a certain drum is requested for a particular song. Drummers are usually men but women may also drum and sometimes an all women’s drum group is seen.

Drum groups play different kinds of songs, many are very old and traditional. Songs are sung four times a sacred number in Indian tradition. Most songs have no actual words, but are syllables that carry the melody and meaning of the song. These syllables are called vocables. Songs are sung in English or Native languages.

Payouts - Singing Contest (Southern and Northern Combined)
1st - $20,000
2nd - $17,000
3rd - $14,000
4th - $11,000
5th - $8,000
3 Consolations of $3,000
Minimum six singers

Dance Competitions:

Two Days of Color and Excitement

For hundreds of years, the many tribes of Native Americans have expressed their cultural diversity through dance. The beauty, artistry and athleticism are demonstrated in the dance competition.

Various styles and dress demonstrate ancient rituals, traditions and spirituality.

At the Coushatta Powwow dancers compete for thousands of dollars of prize money. See cultural demonstrations and ceremonial tributes. Read more information about the traditional dances and customs. All in the comfort of our 3,600 seat-climate-controlled pavilion!

Dance Competitions:

Golden Age Northern and Golden Age Southern (55-69) • Elders (70+)
Northern and Southern

Jr Adult Men (18-34) and Sr Adult Men (35-54)
Northern Traditional
Southern Straight
Grass
Fancy
Chicken

Jr Adult Women (18-34) and Sr Adult Women (35-54)
Northern Traditional
Southern Cloth
Southern Buckskin
Jingle
Fancy

Teen Girls and Teen Boys (13-17)
Traditional
Fancy
Jingle
Grass

Junior Girls and Junior Boys (7-12)
Traditional
Fancy
Jingle
Grass
Old Style Jingle Special (18+)

Sponsored by Coushatta Princess, Shai Greymountain
“Glide Like the OG” Womens Old Style Fancy

Sponsored by Tessa Abbey
Team Dance (All Ages)

Sponsored by Coushatta Sovereign Youth Council
“Mr. Smooth” Men’s Grass Dance Special

Sponsored by Chad Brown Eagle
Grass Dance Switch (All Ages)

Sponsored by Coushatta Jr. Princess Lizzie Williams
“Red Shawl” Teen Girl’s Fancy (13-17)

Sponsored by the Mingo Girls
Chairman’s Special: Men’s Traditional (18+)

Schedule of Events:

10:00 a.m: Gourd Dance
12:00 p.m: Grand Entry
5:00 p.m: Gourd Dance
7:00 p.m: Grand Entry

Location: The Pavilion at Coushatta Casino Resort

Ticket Prices:

General admission at the gate is $8 per day. Ages 6 years and under get in free. Purchase tickets at the gate on the day of the event.

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