Few events in the Lake Region draw more people to the area than the annual Fort Totten Days Powwow. This year’s celebration of Dakota culture is the 55th in a row and it looks to be bigger and better than ever.
If you’ve never attended, know that everyone is welcome, it’s not just for people from Fort Totten.
The powwow grounds is located south of Four Winds School and is named after an honored member of the Sprit Lake Nation, Andrew Shaw, who spent a number of years as a prisioner of war in the Korean War. If you’re coming from Devils Lake, take the first turn past the Four Winds’ parking lot and follow the road south and past the rodeo grounds to the Powwow Grounds – you can’t miss it when you get close to it.
Activities are scheduled Thursday through Sunday beginning with the Fort Totten Days Pageant, Thursday at 5 p.m. where they crown new royalty.
Friday at 8 a.m. there will be a flag raising ceremony in the arena and registration takes place starting at 5 p.m. Roll call for all drum groups participating will take place at 6:45 p.m. and Grand Entry is at 7 p.m.
Grand Entry
If this is your first powwow or your 100th, the grand entry never fails to impress the audience as dancers from teeny Tiny Tots to Junior boys and girls to Teen boys and girls to adult Men and Women to Golden Age dancers, both men and women, all process into the arena led by the Eaglestaff and military color guard.
This is your opportunity to see all the dancers in their regalia as they enter the arena demonstrating the steps unique to their style of dance; Traditional, Grass Dancers, Fancy Dancers and so on. It is a beautiful sight to behold.
Different drum groups and singers are called upon to provide the “heartbeat” of the powwow, it’s music and songs.
This year’s powwow Arena Directors are Kris White, Sr., and Dion Jackson, Sr.
The Emcees are Pat Badhand and Herold Blacksmith.
The Head Men’s Judge is Greyson Delorme.
The Head Women’s Judge is Verna Alex.
Head Singing Judge is Londell Seaboy.
Sound is provided by RC Sound.
The Powwow Committee consists of the members of the VFW Post 6547.
Recreation during the powwow is provided. There will be Horseshoe Doubles with prizes of $1,600 for First Place, $1,200 for 2nd Place, $900 for Third Place, $700 for Fourth Place, $300 for Fifth Place, $300 for Sixth Place and Ringers – $200!
Moccasin Games will pay out $4,000 for First Place, #3,000 for Second Place, $2,000 for Third Place and $1,000 for Fourth Place plus jackets.
Vendors will surround the arena with tasty treats like fry bread, tacos, some of the best lemonade you’ll ever have and lots of things to look at and purchase as souvenirs. Each powwow is different so don’t be afraid to check out all the booths and what they have for sale.
The Singing Contest pay out $15,000 for First Place, $12,000 for Second, $10,000 for Third, $8,000 for Fourth, $5,000 for Fifth and $3,000 for Sixth, all other drum groups split the final $15,000.
Dance Contest Categories
JR. Chicken (18 to 34): 1st $1,200, 2nd $1,000, 3rd $800, 4th $600, 5th $400
SR. Chicken (35 to 54): 1st $1,200, 2nd $1,000, 3rd $800, 4th $600, 5th $400
Men’s Golden Age 55+: Traditional, Grass and Fancy: 1st $1,200, 2nd $1,000, 3rd $800, 4th $600, 5th $400
Teen Boys (13 – 17): Traditional, Grass, Fancy: 1st $500, 2nd $400, 3rd $300, 4th $200, 5th $100
Womens Golden Age 55+: Traditional, Jingle, Fancy: 1st $1,200, 2nd $1,000, 3rd $800, 4th $600, 5th $400
Teen Girls (13 – 17): Traditional, Jingle, Fancy: 1st $500, 2nd $400, 3rd $300, 4th $200, 5th $100
Men’s JR (18 – 34) & SR (35 – 54): Traditional, Grass, Fancy: 1st $1,200, 2nd $1,000, 3rd $800, 4th $600, 5th $400
Women’s JR (18 – 34) & SR (35 – 54): Traditional, Jingle, Fancy: 1st $1,200, 2nd $1,000, 3rd $800, 4th $600, 5th $400
JR. Boys (7 – 12): Traditional, Grass, Fancy: 1st $400, 2nd $300, 3rd $200, 4th $100, 5th $75
JR. Girls (7 – 12): Traditional, Jingle, Fancy: 1st $400, 2nd $300, 3rd $200, 4th $100, 5th $75
Saturday Schedule
Registration 11 a.m., Drum Roll Call at 12:45 p.m. with Grand Entry at 1 p.m. Following Grand Entry there will be a break for supper, then Drum Roll Call again at 6:45 p.m. and Grand Entry at 7 p.m.
Sunday Schedule
The Parade begins at 10 a.m., Drum Roll Call is at 12:45 p.m. with Grand Entry at 1 p.m.
Note: no alcohol, drugs or firearms and/or weapons are allowed on the powwow grounds.
(Editor’s note: All information included in this story is provided by the official poster for the 55th annual Fort Totten Days Powwow — Louise Oleson, Editor DLJ)
