Winnebago Pow-wow – Winnebago, Nebraska

 Winnebago Pow-wow – Winnebago, Nebraska

The Ho-Chunk people hold a pow-wow in Winnebago for the last five days in July.  This Indian social gathering includes dance and music as well as a time for the tribal members to gather with friends and family.  The celebration is in honor of Little Priest who was the tribes last war chief. 

Some history of the Ho-Chunk’s includes the understanding that the tribe were originally from Wisconsin.  They farmed and hunted bison but beginning in the 19th century, the United States government wanted the land they lived on so they forced the Ho-Chunk to give up portions of their land and they were moved to Iowa in 1840.  It didn’t end there, the government continued to make them move.  Over the next 25 years they moved from Iowa to Minnesota to South Dakota and finally to Nebraska where they were allowed to stay.  Many of the tribe eventually moved back to Wisconsin.  In South Dakota they were held in stockades at Fort Thompson where they received atrocious treatment until they escaped and moved to Nebraska in 1865.

The pow-wow honors Hoonk-Hoo-No-Kaw (Little Priest) who, with others from the tribe, enlisted in the Army and served in a local united.  He died in 1866 from wounds he received while serving.  The celebration today is focused on honoring all Winnebago veterans of war.  Chief Little Priest believed in harmony and peace.  He believed that all people should get along and he forgave the treatment the tribe had received by the government and encouraged the Indians to have good relationships between themselves, the settlers and soldiers
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There are contests for prizes among the dancers, singers, and princess candidates.  In 2009 there were 267 dancers in the contest.  There were 18 drums and singers that also were contestants.  The dancers are judged by champion dancers from past pow-wows.

The Winnebago Powwow is the oldest Pow-wow in North America.  The pow-wow is a way to renew thought of the old ways and to preserve a rich heritage.  Although they treasure and honor the past they also move forward with a vibrant and wonderful lust for life.
The first pow-wow celebration was held as a homecoming festival for Little Priest in 1866.  Since the celebration was so meaningful and well received it was decided to hold it on an annual basis.

You are welcome to come and witness this colorful and meaningful event. 

Location: Veteran’s Memorial Park, 1 1/4
miles east of Winnebago, Nebraska on US Hwy 75.

For information contact: Maria Scott @ 712-266-6474

Email: mj_henu@hotmail.com

There is a one-time admission fee charged to attend. 

Photos in this post were taken by Ingrid Teboe, Mt Pleasant, Iowa with permission granted to use them.

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