2016 Eastern Shoshone Arapaho Powwow

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Back in June of last year (2016) I had the great pleasure to attend the Eastern Shoshone /Arapaho powwow on the Wind River reservation. This was a great event with wonderful people in a marvelous setting. It is held outdoors which always makes it better and the weather was cooperating with blue skies and no wind. Above is the Grand Entry with the color guard.

Everyone in their finest followed.

Dancers enthralled the spectators.

Their was color and action every where you looked.

Individual dancers took part.

Incredible detail and workmanship went into gorgeous displays of accessories and regalia.

As the sun was setting the participants gathered around the center pole in celebration

Elders sat reflecting in the late afternoon sun.

Later dancing took place as the participants made their way around the circle

It was a special time for everyone involved.

The dancers traveled sunwise around the circle.

Women in extraordinary dress made the circle several times.

Performing the steps as they’re meant to be done.

Fancy dancers giving it their all in front of one of the judges.

Color and form as well as commitment are most important during the fancy dance competition.

As always the best drummers and singers were performing for the dancers.

A beautiful example of form and skill.

Women in their finest competing in one of the categories. Each one a winner.

Men had their competitions and everyone put everything they had into them.

Incredible regalia was always on display.

Dancing went on far into the night.

Until finally the evening’s events came to a close.

This is a powwow you do not want to miss. There will be more to come from this powwow in the near future, so stop back and check it out.

Crow Fair 2015 Grand Entry

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The Grand Entry at Crow Fair is the beginning of all the festivities that take place in the Arbor. The Dance contests, ceremonies, the general get together when everyone dances for the sheer enjoyment of it. It is the center of all the social activities. It always begins with the color guard presenting the flags.

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A dancer performs a special dance to complete the flag presentation.

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Then the procession begins with the Royalty entering the circle. These are all the Princesses that have been selected by the various tribes participating to represent them.

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The men follow.

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The elder warriors leading the men into the circle.

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Followed by the women dancing their way around the arbor

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There are  many different emotions displayed by the participants. This is a very special time for all.

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They continue dancing, gradually completing the circle.

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Everyone who can, participates.

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Each category of dancers enters in their turn.

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The men’s group puts maximum effort forth as they enter.

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Each dancer showing his own style as they enter.

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Women take their place in the circle.

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Young mothers with their children dance and bring their young ones into the circle as soon as they can carry them into the arbor.

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An elder warrior pensively completes another round as everyone that can fit enters the arbor.

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Younger warriors enter in their turn

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As the circle tightens and fills towards completion the dancers begin to pick up the pace.

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There is movement and color everywhere one looks.

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The drummers are tireless. The beat, the songs, the energy, keep everyone focused and the dancers are totally dependent on them. The ceremonies couldn’t take place without them. They are the heroes in the background, usually unseen but always heard.

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The circle is complete. All the participants are inside the arbor, the circle has tightened to make room for everyone and the Grand Entry is complete. Soon the dancing will start and continue until the fair is over.

Over the next few days we e will bring you the Dancing, the Parade, Portraits, the Rodeo, and the Closing ceremonies. Stay  tuned.