Palatial Powwow

More than a hundred years ago, settlers edged the Arapaho Indians away from their home at the confluence of the Platte River and Cherry Creek. But every year, native people return to a spot just a few miles east of there for the Denver March Powwow, the region's largest gathering...

By Michelle Baldwin

March 30, 2006

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More than a hundred years ago, settlers edged the Arapaho Indians away from their home at the confluence of the Platte River and Cherry Creek. But every year, native people return to a spot just a few miles east of there for the Denver March Powwow, the region's largest gathering of American Indians. They meet to celebrate their enduring culture through storytelling, arts and crafts, traditional foods, drumming contests and dancing. Lots of dancing.

Every tribe has its own style of dance, which is based on tradition, legends and history. Today through Sunday, dancers in various categories — the young (Tiny Tots), the old (Golden Age, Senior) and everyone in between — will compete and celebrate. Morning and evening sessions begin with a spectacular Grand Entry, featuring the dancers and Powwow royalty in full costume.

Dance down to the 32nd annual Denver March Powwow today at 10 a.m. at the Denver Coliseum, 4600 Humboldt Street. Tickets are $6, or $15 for all three days. (Children and seniors can attend for free). Visit www.denvermarchpowwow.org or call 303-934-8045 for more information.
March 23-25, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

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