Little Shell Powwow Brings Dance, Drums and Celebration

The Little Shell Powwow is bringing four days of dancing, drumming and celebration to 4 Bears Park in New Town, North Dakota, from Aug. 7–10, according to event organizers. Hosted at the Antelope Society Arbor, the event features dance contests in grass, fancy, jingle, chicken and traditional styles, with prize money up to $1,200. Special categories include woodland/appliqué and cowboy/cowgirl, along with youth and teen divisions.

Dozens of sponsored specials are scheduled throughout the weekend, including one with a $30,000 top prize. Other contests honor community members and graduates, such as the Men’s Grass Special in memory of Matt Foolish Bear, and the Women’s Jingle Specials honoring Shaundeen Smith and Sweety Baker. Youth contests include a Jr. Girls Fancy Special and Tiny Tot specials honoring T’iwa Don Her Many Horses and Brenda Smith.

Drum groups Mandaree, Oakdale and Little Shell are among the host drums. The weekend also includes a hand game tournament, a health fair hosted by the Fort Berthold Diabetes Program and a community feed sponsored by MHA Nation Chairman Mark Fox. Representing royalty are Little Shell Princess Jaiuelyn Driver and Junior Princess “MJ” Marie Josephine Aguilar. Color guards and auxiliaries from multiple posts, including VFW Post 9061 and Post 271, are taking part in the weekend’s events.