national powwow xvii

- 1900 E Main St, Danville, IN 46122

For residents across Indiana and the broader Midwest, the National Powwow stands as one of the most significant and authentic cultural events held every three years. Far from being a traditional 'dance school,' as may be initially classified, this is a massive, four-day intertribal gathering, celebration, and educational experience. It is dedicated to respectfully sharing the values, traditions, and rich tapestry of American Indian culture with the non-Indian community, supported by the guidance of Indian people from across the nation and internationally.

Held at the expansive Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds in Danville, the National Powwow transforms the venue into a vibrant hub of sound, color, and history. It is a time for people to gather, socialize, feast, renew old friendships, and make new connections, offering visitors an unparalleled chance to witness the beauty and diversity of Native American traditions firsthand, right here in Central Indiana. Attendees can immerse themselves in the deep cultural experience, which is universally acclaimed for its good energy and the sheer volume of talented dancers and traders it attracts.

The event's mission is fundamentally educational, increasing awareness of American Indian customs among all guests. It is a family-friendly affair, ensuring the cultural exchange is accessible and meaningful for Hoosiers of all ages. Planning is already underway for the next gathering, building on the success of past iterations, which regularly draw singers, dancers, craftsmen, and historians from all over the country to our Indiana locale.

The National Powwow is a major, periodic cultural festival that has a long-standing history dating back to 1969. It is not a permanent institution or a dance school, but rather an internationally recognized triennial event. Since 2005, this respected gathering has found a consistent home in Indiana at the 110-acre Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds. Its sole purpose is to provide the best possible opportunity for the most people, both Indian and non-Indian, to share and celebrate the good things about a powwow.

The celebration lasts for four days and is characterized by a spectacular schedule of events. The centerpiece is the traditional singing and dancing. Dancers in full, colorful regalia—a breathtaking display of athleticism and craftsmanship—perform various contest dances and intertribal dances, with the pageantry of the Grand Entry being a nightly highlight. Drum groups provide the powerful, rhythmic heartbeat of the powwow, essential to the performances.

Beyond the main dance arena, the Powwow fosters deep cultural exchange through numerous activities. These include a living history Tipi Encampment, educational seminars, authentic ethnic food vendors, and a marketplace filled with genuine arts and crafts. The atmosphere is consistently described by attendees as being filled with "so much good energy," highlighting the positive and welcoming spirit of the gathering. It is widely considered a wonderful event that is specifically "Good for kids," offering a memorable and educational experience for the entire family.

The National Powwow is hosted at the sprawling Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds & Conference Complex, a prime venue located just west of Indianapolis, making it a convenient destination for central Indiana residents.

The specific address for the event is: 1900 E Main St, Danville, IN 46122, USA.

For local Indiana visitors, accessibility is well catered to at this location. The fairgrounds are easily reached via major roads, providing a straightforward drive from Indianapolis and surrounding communities. The event management ensures a smooth experience for all guests by offering dedicated facilities, which include:

• On-site Parking: Ample parking is available on the fairgrounds property, making it easy for attendees to bring their families and their purchases.
• Wheelchair Accessible Entrance: The fairgrounds complex is equipped with a wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring all members of the community can attend and enjoy the celebration.
• Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot: Designated parking spaces are available for guests requiring easier access to the main venues.

This central location in Hendricks County, combined with the comprehensive accessibility provisions, ensures that the National Powwow is a welcoming and convenient cultural destination for Hoosiers.

The National Powwow provides a multifaceted program that combines performance, competition, education, and commerce, offering a rich and comprehensive cultural tourism experience.

• Intertribal Singing and Dancing: Four nights of spectacular dancing featuring participants in traditional regalia, including the vibrant Grand Entry ceremony.
• Contest Dancing: Highly competitive dance events with monetary prizes, attracting skilled dancers from various nations and styles.
• Gourd Dance Sessions: Specific, traditional dance sessions that are a sacred and essential part of the Powwow.
• Living History Tipi Encampment: A Tipi Village featuring over 20 lodges, often furnished with historically accurate décor, where visitors can chat with knowledgeable owners.
• Educational Seminars and Workshops: Sessions designed to promote awareness, covering topics such as crafts (e.g., moccasin history, feather bustle making), dance styles, music, and the significance of various cultural artifacts.
• Authentic Food Vendors: A diverse array of vendors selling ethnic foods, allowing guests to sample traditional cuisine like 'Indian taco,' bison burgers, and fry bread.
• Arts and Crafts Competition & Displays: A juried contest and extensive displays of Native American-style art, beadwork, tribal regalia, and artifacts, including specialized exhibitions.
• Artisan and Craft Trader Marketplace: More than 50 vendors selling authentic American Indian jewelry, musical instruments, crafts, and other wares.
• Children’s Activities: Specific events and exhibitions tailored for younger attendees, including a Children's Powwow exhibition, ensuring the event is "Good for kids."
• 5K Fun Run/Walk: A non-competitive running event promoting health and fellowship.
• On-site Camping: RV and tent camping options, including full hook-ups, are available at the fairgrounds for multi-day attendees.

The unique elements of the National Powwow make it a must-see event on Indiana's cultural calendar, standing out for its scale and commitment to education.

• Triennial Rarity: The event only occurs every three years, making each gathering a special, highly anticipated occasion drawing attendees from across the country.
• Scale and Authenticity: It is one of the biggest events celebrating American Indian culture, drawing exceptional singers, dancers, and historians from a broad range of Indigenous communities. The focus on shared knowledge and education, rather than just performance, underscores its authenticity.
• The Grand Entry: The spectacular daily procession where dancers, adorned in stunning regalia, enter the arena led by the Eagle Staff and flags. This is considered a sacred and highly visual cornerstone of the Powwow.
• The Tipi Village Experience: The living history encampment with authentic, furnished tipis offers a rare opportunity for deep, personal cultural education and dialogue with lodge owners.
• Princess Contest: A significant competition for young women who are judged on their dedication, character, and their essays on the intersection of the modern world and Native American culture. The winner serves as a spokeswoman for the Powwow for three years.
• Educational Depth: Seminars go beyond the surface, offering deep dives into cultural practices, history, and the significance of artistic elements like moccasins and beadwork—often featuring collections comparable to what one might see in a major museum like the Eiteljorg Museum.
• Economic Impact: By attracting a large volume of out-of-town spectators, dancers, and vendors, the Powwow provides a significant burst of cultural tourism and economic benefit to the local Danville and Hendricks County communities.
• Inclusion and Fellowship: The event promotes fellowship and is structured to be highly welcoming to the public, with intertribal dances open to participation by all non-competing guests.

For the most up-to-date information regarding dates, ticket prices, schedules, and how to get involved in the next event, Indiana residents can use the following contact details.

Address: Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds, 1900 E Main St, Danville, IN 46122, USA
Phone (General): (317) 718-6154
Mobile Phone: +1 317-718-6154

For anyone in Indiana seeking a truly unique, immersive, and educational cultural experience, attending the National Powwow is highly recommended. It stands as a profound opportunity to engage directly with American Indian culture in a respectful, celebratory, and family-friendly setting, right here in Hendricks County. The event’s commitment to education and awareness, with seminars covering crafts, dance, and history, makes it a much richer experience than a simple performance or festival.

Choosing to attend means supporting a tradition that has fostered fellowship and cultural sharing for over 50 years. The sheer scale—with a "lot of dancers" and "traders"—ensures there is constant activity, breathtaking visual experiences, and authentic items available for purchase. For parents, the Powwow is intentionally structured to be "Good for kids," offering hands-on learning through the Tipi Village and specific children's activities, making it a powerful family outing that goes far beyond the classroom. The welcoming atmosphere, universally praised for its "good energy," ensures that non-Indian visitors feel comfortable and respected as they learn and participate.

Given that this major cultural tourism event only happens once every three years, it is an occasion Hoosiers should mark their calendars for. It provides a vital connection to the diverse histories and living traditions of Native American communities, an experience you would otherwise have to travel across the country to find. Its commitment to accessibility, on-site parking, and a convenient location just outside Indianapolis further solidify its position as an accessible and essential cultural destination in the state.

national powwow xvii

1900 E Main St, Danville, IN 46122, USA