If you are going to be near Winnebago, Nebraska for your Nebraska vacation in July you may want to schedule time to be at the Ho-Chunk Nation Pow Wow. This annual pow wow has hundreds of native american dancers and artist performing a fabulous celebration for the last 5 days of July every year. It will be a great opportunity to observe the most colorful and intricate native clothing that you will ever observe, a beautiful Nebraska attraction you can’t miss.
The Winnebago Indians were originally from Wisconsin but early in the 19th century the United States Government wanted the land they lived on so they forced them to move. It wasn’t simply a one time move, it was repeated over and over. They were first moved to Iowa, then off to Minnesota and then to South Dakota where they were held captive in stockades until they were allowed to escape. They finally settled in Nebraska where they were allowed to stay. Some of the tribes moved back to Wisconsin but the majority of them remained in Nebraska. They now live on the reservation (some of them) that is their own land.
The powwow is a celebration remembering Little Priest who was the last tribal chiefton. He not only was the chief of the tribe but also served in the United States military. Because of his service in the military he received a life ending wound and died in 1866. Today the pow wow not only honors him but also all the Winnebago Indian veterans of war. The chief, Little Priest, believed in peace among the people, he forgave the treatment the Indians had experienced from the government. He supported positive relationships between themselves, the settlers and the soldiers.
The Winnebago Pow-wow is the oldest Pow Wow in North America. The Pow Wow is a way to restore friendships, remember the heritage and the traditional ways and enjoy the fact that they can all gather together to enjoy the dancing and art of the culture. It has been held annually since 1866.
Visitors are welcome to come and apprecaite the festival. Watch the dancing, apprecaite the music and share the food. If you haven’t had fry bread before be sure to try it, it is wonderful.
The pow wow is held at Veteran’s Memorial Park, 1 1/4 miles east of Winnebago, Nebraska on US Hwy 75. Come out and experience the event, even if you can only attend for one day it will be an experience you will remember from your Nebraska travel guide.