The three-day “Two Cultures, One Community Powwow” (TCOC) is set for Feb. 27–28 and March 1 at the Pendleton Convention Center. Organizers expect as many as 500 dancers and more than last year’s 12,000 visitors. Eight invited drum groups and an honor drum will take turns providing songs for dancers.
From tiny tots as young as 3 to golden-agers, dancers will compete for cash with winners in each division receiving a custom-made silver buckle. The event will feature some of the nation’s best fancy dancers, known for high-energy performances, as well as champion jingle dancers. The big drums, carrying up to 10 drummers and singers, also compete for cash prizes.
Two vendor areas will host more than 36 artisans and merchants who travel to Pendleton, Ore., from as far away as Minnesota and Florida. Eight food vendors will be set up in the parking lot.
Indian-cowboy entrepreneur Dougie Hall, who currently has a role in “Landman” on Netflix, will attend.
The TCOC Powwow was created to connect the Native community of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation with Pendleton’s cowboy culture by celebrating their shared traditions and community spirit.
Admission is $5 per session or $15 for the weekend. For more information, visit twoculturesonecommunity.com.