Hozhoni Days Powwow kicks off Friday, March 26

 

DURANGO, CO – The concluding event of Hozhoni Days at Fort Lewis College is the Hozhoni Days Powwow. Each year, the Powwow brings thousands of visitors and Powwow participants to Durango and the College.

 

The 46^th annual Hozhoni Days Powwow begins on Friday, March 26 and runs through Saturday, March 27, 2010. The contest Powwow will take place in Whalen Gymnasium.

 

Friday’s schedule begins with gourd dancing at 6 p.m. and the grand entry at 7 p.m. Saturday begins with gourd dancing at 11 a.m. and the grand entry at 1 p.m. In addition to the Powwow, the winner of the College’s Miss Hozhoni Pageant will be crowned on Saturday night.

 

General admission to the Hozhoni Days Powwow is $5, $3 for Fort Lewis College students. Those six years old and younger, as well as sixty years old and older, get in free. Those traveling into Durango from out of town may contact the Strater Hotel for special room rates. Call 1-800-247-4431 for details.

 

The northern host drum is Meskawki Nation from Tama, IA, and the southern host drum is Cozad from Anadarko, OK, both are nationally known for their unique singing style. The master of ceremonies is Dewayne Tofpi of Albuquerque, NM. Locally, Andrew Frost of Ignacio, CO, will serve as the head gourd dancer. Bruce LeClaire will be the arena director and the head judge is Chad Avery, both are from Durango, CO.

 

In addition to the head staff, Wanbli Ota, the FLC student organization in charge of Hozhoni Days, has invited the Southern California Bird Singer to come and perform during the Powwow and Wanbli Ota will also be acknowledging the graduating seniors.