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Mid-Winter Powwow

Native American Dress in Traditional Attire.

The University of Mary hosts a Mid-Winter Powwow each year, in partnership with United Tribes Technical College celebrating the richness of Native American culture in North Dakota. We invite the Bismarck-Mandan community to join us for this great event including Mass, a buffalo feed, and a contest powwow.

2025 Event: Sunday, January 19

Cost of Attendance

General Public: $5
Mary, UTTC, and BSC: Free with student or faculty/staff ID.
Under 5 or Over 65: Free
Vendor Booth: $150

Schedule

9 am – Mass (Our Lady of Annunciation Chapel)

11:30 am – Powwow 101 (Lumen Vitae Center - Lower Living Room)

1 pm – First Grand Entry (McDowell Activity Center)

4:30 - 6 pm – Buffalo Feed (Crow’s Nest Restaurant)

6 pm – Second Grand Entry (McDowell Activity Center)

8 pm - Black Elk Mass (Our Lady of Annunciation Chapel)

Grand Entry Times 1 & 6 pm
McDowell Activity Center

Arena Director: Rusty Gillette
Master of Ceremonies: Whitney Rencountre II

Dance Categories:

  • Golden Age Men 60+ (One group)
  • Golden Age Women 60+ (One group)
  • Junior Girls Contest Categories (Traditional, Jingle, Fancy)
  • Junior Boys Contest Categories (Traditional, Grass, Fancy)
  • Teen Girls (Traditional, Jingle, Fancy)
  • Teen Boys (Traditional, Grass, Fancy)
  • Adult Men (Traditional, Grass, Fancy)
  • Adult Women (Traditional, Jingle, Fancy)

Cash prizes will be awarded to contest winners.

Participant and Vendor Information

To register as a drum group, dancer, or vendor, you can  or on-site from 11 am to 5:30 pm. The first five drum groups to register will receive a stipend.

If you simply wish to be a spectator, all you need to do is pay your $5 entry fee at the door.

View all Life and Dignity Week Events

Have Questions?

Please reach out to us if you have any questions. We are happy to help.