25th Annual Last Chance Community Pow Wow
 | Author:
Last Chance Community Pow Wow Committee
Sarah Tallwhiteman: MT43 News Layout Editor and Ad Editor |
Event: 25th Annual Last Chance Community Pow Wow
Theme: “Honor The Children”
When: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
September 27 – 29, 2024
Where: Lewis & Clark County Fairgrounds,
Exhibit Hall - Helena, Montana
Admission: FREE
“Last Chance Community Pow Wow celebrates 25 Years Sept 27-29th at the Lewis & Clark Fairgrounds”
After 25 years, the Last Chance Community “Honoring the Children” Pow Wow, remains free and open to the public- celebrating our urban native culture, inclusion, and the next generation. The Pow Wow has always coincided with American Indian Heritage Day, enacted by the Montana Legislature in 1997. Native Drum Groups at the pow wow will provide powerful music for dancers, in traditional regalia, from all over Montana, the northwestern US, and Canada.
As we approach the 25th anniversary, Pow Wow Committee members have heard from residents across the community regarding their memories from past pow wows. Parents of current dancers recall receiving a 2-dollar bill from Dan Pocha for the Tiny Tots Dance Special more than fifteen years ago.
Pow wow committee member, Linda Priest recounts “We’re proud of the Pow Wow and how the event and community has changed over the years.” Plagued with culturally insensitive incidents early on, community members forged forward, committed and optimistic that this Pow Wow would become the Helena Gem that it is revered as today.
The Pow Wow is more than an event. As one of the longest running community hosted pow wows in the state, thanks to our sponsors, brochures are circulated to educate attendees on customs and traditions. Last Chance Community Pow Wow also makes sure to host multiple Intertribal Dances at each grand entry. This is the opportunity for all attendees to join in dancing in the arena.
One of our missions is to help teach our youth the many traditions of Native American culture and to share this with their peers to create a better understanding between Native and non-Natives. Children are involved in all our functions, which includes drumming, singing, dancing, regalia making and fundraising. It is important for the youth to participate in cultural activities so they stay in touch with their heritage and can share with others and pass the traditions on to their children. Children are the light and future of the Native culture.
During the first day of the annual celebration, Native dancers and drummers gather at the Lewis and Clark County Fairgrounds from 10 AM until noon to provide Native dancing, drumming and cultural exhibitions specifically designed for local elementary school children. The dancers and drummers always make “Demonstration Day” meaningful, fun, and educational for our area youth as we celebrate Native American Awareness Week.
Beginning Friday evening at 6:00 pm, the Last Chance Community Pow Wow celebration officially kicks off when the dancers enter the arena during Grand Entry. Grand Entry is a colorful display of young and old dressed in traditional regalia, dancing to the “heartbeat” of the drum. Grand Entry is a must see! Each Grand Entry is followed by intertribal and competition dancing.
Saturday’s schedule will include two sessions. The afternoon session starts at Noon and the evening session at 6:00 pm. The final session will start at Noon on Sunday. Winners of the dancing categories will be announced on Sunday at the end of the final session.
Vendors will line the Lewis and Clark County Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall selling Native American arts and crafts. Our famous Frybread, Pow Wow Indian Tacos, soft drinks and many other items will be available at our concessions stand.
The Last Chance Community Pow Wow invites and welcomes everyone to this FREE community event. Don’t forget, there will be round dances and intertribal dances that are open for ALL to dance in the circle.
In addition to hosting this free and inclusive event, the Committee is active year-round- including drumming and dancing at the local schools and for community events. You can support the Last Chance Community Pow Wow activities by visiting our website https://www.lastchancepowwow.com
Mark your calendars for September 27 – 29, at the Lewis and Clark County Fairgrounds for the 25th Annual Last Chance Community Pow Wow.
Grand Entry, Session 1: Friday, September 27th at 6:00 PM
Grand Entry, Session 2: Saturday, September 28th at Noon
Grand Entry, Session 3: Saturday, September 28th at 6:00 PM
Grand Entry, Session 4 Sunday, September 29th at Noon
For more information, call 406-439-5631, email lccpw@hotmail.com, visit our website at lastchancepowwow.com, or like us on Facebook.
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PhotoCredit: Last Chance Community Pow Wow
Image 1 Caption: Grand Entry at the Last Chance Community Pow Wow
Photo Credits: Last Chance Community Pow Wow Committee
