Bismarck-Mandan
Community Voices
Sep 2, 2025

Tribal leaders, citizens gather in Bismarck

Buffalo’s Fire plans full week of coverage

The 2025 United Tribes Technical College Tribal Leaders Summit is getting underway in Bismarck, North Dakota, with the opening plenary session on Wednesday morning, Sept. 3, in partnership with Great Plains Tribal Leaders’ Health Board.

Two days of panel discussions, interactive workshops and networking opportunities aim to promote cultural exchange and foster collective progress on healthcare, education, culture, economic development and more. Cody Two Bears, founder of Indigenized Energy, anchors the program with his keynote on Thursday. Learn more.

This big week gets even bigger Friday with the kickoff of the UTTC International Powwow, among the largest powwows in the country. Thousands are traveling to Bismarck for the array of dance contests, memorials and vendors offering Indigenous food, art and resources. On Friday and Saturday evenings, the International Powwow will welcome TaikoArts Midwest to share their dynamic performance of drumming, dance, martial arts and athletics. Learn more.

Buffalo’s Fire will be on-site covering the conference and the powwow live with regular Daily Sparks and news stories.

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