About the 26th Annual Coushatta Pow Wow 2023

The Coushatta Powwow is one of the largest in North America, and is truly a one-of-a-kind experience.

Be sure to witness a Grand Entry, a rhythmic march that opens the competitions, when all of the dancers in full regalia claim the Dancing Ground to the accompaniment of tribal drums and singers.

This is a family-friendly event offering a look at the fascinating culture and heritage of Native Americans.

Veterans Ceremonies

In keeping with our native ways, we will always honor our veterans. We are proud to honor these noble individuals, offer our thanks for their service, and welcome all veterans to Powwow.

26th Annual Coushatta Powwow • June 9-10, 2023

General admission at the gate is $8 per day. Ages 6 years & under get in free.Purchase tickets at the gate on the day of event.

Registration Hours

Friday 3pm-7pm | Saturday 10am-12noon

Friday, June 9

• 5pm – Gourd Dance
• 7pm – Grand Entry

Saturday, June 10

• 10am – Gourd Dance
• 12pm – Grand Entry
• 5pm – Gourd Dance
• 7pm – Grand Entry

Head Staff

• NORTHERN HOST

  MANDAREE – Mandaree, North Dakota

• SOUTHERN HOST

  COZAD – Hog Creek, Oklahoma

• ANNOUNCER

  Bart Powaukee

• ANNOUNCER

  Howie Thomson

• HEAD MAN

  Xavier Littlehead

• HEAD LADY

  Daylynn Mingo

• HEAD GOURD

  Jack Battise, Jr.

• ARENA DIRECTOR

  Rusty Gillette

• HEAD DANCE JUDGE

  Donovan Abbey

Drum Competitions

Feel the Power & Excitement

The drum is the heartbeat and central pulse of the Powwow.

There are always one or several groups of singers who sing as the beat in unison to the rhythm on a large drum. Each drum has a lead singer and a “second” who repeats the lead line on a different or similar key.

Good drums are always in demand at powwows and become very popular. Drums take turns and often a certain drum is requested for a particular song. Drummers are usually men but women may also drum and sometimes an all women’s drum group is seen.

Drum groups play different kinds of songs, many are very old and traditional. Songs are sung four times a sacred number in Indian tradition. Most songs have no actual words, but are syllables that carry the melody and meaning of the song. These syllables are called vocables. Songs are sung in English or Native languages.

PAYOUTS – Singing Contest (Southern & Northern Separate)
1st • $8,000
2nd • $6,000
3rd • $4,000
4th • $3,000
5th • $2,000
Minimum six singers

Visit Organizer Website »

Head Man: Xavier Littlehead Head Lady: Daylynn Mingo Head Gourd Dancer:Jack Battise, Jr. MC: Bart Powaukee and Howie Thomson Arena Director: Rusty Gillette Host Drums: Mandaree and Cozad