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Thousands gather for start of 55th annual UTTC International Powwow

Crowd told, ‘All the Nations here in North Dakota welcome you’

Erin Hoover Barnett

Erin Hoover Barnett

Director of Development

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Frank Star Comes Out, president of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, and dignitaries stand at attention after leading the sacred procession into the arena during the first grand entry at the United Tribes Technical College International Powwow, in Bismarck, North Dakota, Sept. 5, 2025. (Buffalo’s Fire/Erin Hoover Barnett)

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Anticipation rippled through the crowd as the 55th annual United Tribes Technical College International Powwow got underway Friday at the Lone Star Veterans Arena in Bismarck, North Dakota, at 7 p.m. Sept. 5 with the first grand entry. The International Powwow, which runs Sept. 5-7, is among the largest in the region — and is a celebration of culture, tradition and community with dance and athletic contests, performances, memorials, vendors and more. Veterans, flag bearers, dignitaries and dancers entered and circled the sacred arena to the sound of drumming and an honor song, followed by a prayer. “All the Nations here in North Dakota welcome you,” said announcer Whitney Rencountre II (Crow Creek/Hunkpati Dakota).

Frank Star Comes Out, president of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, led the sacred procession, joined by his fellow tribal chairpersons and dignitaries, from state Rep. Collette Brown and North Dakota Lieutenant Governor LaShalle Shandon to Bismarck Mayor Mike Schmitz and CEO of the Bismark-Mandan Chamber of Commerce Brenda Nagel.

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Japanese American community leaders also joined in the procession, paying homage to the pursuit of justice that Japanese Americans, imprisoned and displaced during World War II, and Native Americans share. Taiko Arts Midwest put on a special drumming and dance performance following the grand entry. UTTC President Leander McDonald (Dakota/Sahnish/Hidatsa/Hunkpapa) offered a welcome and Standing Rock Sioux Chairwoman Janet Alkire, a U.S. Air Force veteran, addressed the crowd. Alkire shared how meaningful it was to her to speak at the powwow as she wraps up her term as chair.

She looked out at the gathering, the early evening sun just beginning to set. “I hope you have a wonderful weekend,” she said.

Buffalo’s Fire is covering the powwow live and will join Prairie Public Radio in a live broadcast Saturday 1-3 p.m. Come by our booth or catch us on the radio.

 

Erin Hoover Barnett

Director of Development and Engagement, Indigenous Media Freedom Alliance; Editor at Large, Buffalo’s Fire

Erin Hoover Barnett

Location: Portland, Oregon

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