29th Ray Track Memorial Mesa Pow Wow

We went to this amazing annual Pow Wow Saturday with Chief, Debra and friends. I love the history and learning a little bit about the culture. It took 30 minutes for all the dancers to enter the arena and luckily we were seated right next to the entrance.
The men came in first,

Then the women and many lttle children. They are danced their way around the entire cicle in their full regalia. The steps of the men and women were different.

This was started in the 1980's and today the powwow draws hundreds of dancers from across the United States and some from Canada. Up to 80 Native American artisans attend, offering traditional jewelry and other items for sale. Several food vendors will be on hand, serving such Native fare as Navajo tacos and fry bread.
The three-day event typically draws 15,000 to 20,000 visitors, both Indian and non-Indian.
“The powwow is a way for Native Americans to share their culture and an opportunity for the public to learn about the traditional dance styles and to see the beautiful outfits they wear,” Hudson said.

It was very well organized starting with the drum groups and throughout the afternoon, highlights include the jingle dancers, who wear metal-embellished outfits, the grass dancers, whose outfits feature elaborate fringe, and the tiny-tots competition, during which toddlers and children are welcomed to the dance floor. Members of the audience are urged to dance with the performers during certain songs.

The costumes were totally astounding.