04/17/2025
Unite the People Powwow is on my mind. **Now a warning this will be a long post** For those interested in the very short history of this event, I invite you to read through. That being said, when the idea for the powwow originated in the midst of a Global Pandemic. A lot of us that loved the life of singing and dancing were in need of the songs and fellowship our celebrations bring us. Initially I was thinking something more of a small Men's and Women's Fancy Competition at the then brand new Scissortail Park. When I met with the rep from the park, we discussed my idea, price of the venue and other details of planning. We left and I nearly just ditched the whole plan bc I knew I didn't have the capability to afford the venue. I got a call later the next day and the Board of the Park extended the space to us for free if we could put a POWWOW together. So it was born and Boye Ladd and I set out to make it happen. I will always and forever be grateful for everything Boye did to help make those celebrations happen in the beginning. So the first Powwow was a Fall one and we got it done on a tiny budget. Very few vendors and a small crowd mostly because it was like 40 degrees and windy all day. Apologies still to those who came out to help us and had so many issues to deal with. But the 2nd celebration was in the Spring. Memorial day. And it was a smashing success. I had so many people volunteer and give if their time and efforts and I am forever in their debt. 3rd time was Fall again and it went great again other than the Tornado forced us to run thru the program really quick lol. Still the Board was giving us the venue for free giving us time to build up our event to an Annual event. Then there were a series of unfortunate events and bad judgement on my behalf by the time the 2nd Annual Spring Powwow rolled around. I understand on the outside, the Powwow seemed like an amazing event with some of the most beautiful music in NDN country. But afterwards and behind the scenes, my life was in a freefall. No need to expand on the gory details but it sent me into a serious depression. Something I had literally created for my community, something I put my name on and gave my entire heart to was crushed, or at least, in my mind, it was over. Something that brought so much happiness and unity to so many people was just over. I was crucified on social media for things that were so far beyond my control and I was ok with it because it was my judgement and soft heart that put me in that position. So I had pretty much put to rest the idea of Unite the People Powwow. However, over the last 2 years, so many community members, vendors, singers, dancers and those close to me keep asking if and when it will ever come back. There were things left undone and those old issues I will deal with on my own.
Now, moving forward and planning for the 3rd Annual Spring Unite the People Powwow, I will be looking to form a committee to begin planning and fundraising for next year. I am finally ready and looking forward to bringing back this celebration for our Community and all who wish to be a part. If you read this far, Thank you, it was difficult to write. So, with that, I say Let's get ready for downtown OKC to be full of Indigenous Beauty!!❤️
