Record Numbers Expected for the 58th Annual Milk River Indian Days Powwow
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The 58th Milk River Indian Days is fast approaching. Set to take place July 28-31 this year's celebration is expected to be one for the ages. With World Champion Drum Groups set to attend and $100,000 in prizes this year's event is expected to be one of the biggest gatherings in its 58-year history.
This year's theme, "The Heartbeat of Grass Dance Country", certainly exemplifies what this year's Powwow is all about. After having to deal with significant restrictions and protocols due to the Covid-19 Global Pandemic, attendees this year can expect a full celebration from start to finish. The Powwow is full of color and the grounds are alive with energy as the cultural experience is shared with all in attendance
In making a grand return organizer focused on bringing in the very best drummers and dancers and making sure the spirit and heritage of the Powwow was maintained and highlighted to the fullest. The Drum Groups in attendance this year include Gathering of Nations World Champions Thunder Hill and Show Time bringing top tier talent to Fort Belknap. The Powwow also features the very colorful and awe-inspiring pageantry of some of the very best Dancers around.
Contests include the Golden Age (55+) Men and Women competing in Grass, Chicken, Fancy and Traditional dances. There will be a teen boys and teen girls aged 13-17 category as well with prizes for the top four finishers in each division. An Adult Men's Division (18-54) will include competitions featuring grass, fancy and prairie chicken with cash prizes to the top three placers. An Adult Women's division will include traditional, fancy and jingle dances with the top three finishers receiving payouts. Lastly there will be a junior boys and girls division (7-12) competing in grass, chicken, fancy, traditional and jingle dance competitions.
The Masters of Ceremonies this year are Tommy Christian from Poplar, Montana and Don Racine of Hays, Montana. Walter Runs Above of Frazier, Montana will serve as the Arena Director. This year's Powwow is expected to bring folks from all over the United States and Canada together to celebrate culture and heritage.
In addition, the 40th Annual Mosquito Run is set to take place on Saturday, July 30 at the Milk River Indian Days Powwow Grounds. Tiwahe Cultural Camp is set for July 25-27 at Snake Butte. The Youth Powwow will take place Thursday, July 28 and the Milk River Indian Days Parade will be at 6:00 p.m. Friday, July 29. For Vendor information contact Nona Longknife at 406-399-2066. For additional information contact Dominic Messerly at 406-353-7144.
