Pow Wow at Coushatta Drew Crowdss Today
By Tracy E. Antoine, TEA Firm
KINDER, La. — The 29th Annual Coushatta Powwow took place at The Pavilion at Coushatta Casino Resort, bringing together Native artists, dancers, singers, and families for one of the largest powwows in North America. The two-day event ran June 12-13, 2026, with Grand Entries scheduled for 7 p.m. on Friday and 12 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday.
The powwow featured a full schedule of cultural celebration, including gourd dances, dance and drum competitions, and a Trader’s Market with handmade Native American art, jewelry, and food such as fry bread and Indian tacos . Admission was $10 per day, and children 6 and under were admitted free.
Talk briefly about the performances and beautiful Native American wardrobe worn at Friday's and Saturday's Pow Wow at Coushatta
Friday and Saturday’s Pow Wow at Coushatta sounded like a powerful celebration of culture, with grand entries, drum songs, and dance competitions bringing the arena to life. The regalia was especially striking—handcrafted, colorful, and detailed, with feathers, beadwork, moccasins, and other pieces that reflected tradition, family, and personal expression.
Performances
The event schedule included Gourd Dance and Grand Entry on both days, which set the tone for the performances and brought dancers, singers, and the crowd together in a lively, respectful atmosphere. Coushatta’s powwow is known for dance and drum contests, exhibition dances, and specialty dances that showcase performers of different ages and styles.
Wardrobe and regalia
The Native American wardrobe was beautiful because it was not just clothing, but regalia—pieces made with care and meaning, often passed down or created by family members. Sources describe colorful feathered outfits, intricate beadwork, handcrafted jewelry, and beaded moccasins as part of the dancers’ presentation at Coushatta. That mix of artistry, movement, and heritage made the whole weekend feel both elegant and deeply meaningful.
This year’s head staff included Northern Host Southern Cree (Montana), Southern Host Motown (Minnesota), announcers Bart Powaukee and Howie Thomson, Gourd Announcer Anthony Monoessy, Head Man Dancer Bucky Old Elk, Head Lady Dancer Sophie Tiger, Head Gourd Dancer Jason Williams, Arena Directors Donovan Abbey and Rusty Gillette, and Head Judge Leland Thompson. The flyer also listed special event sponsors including Bucky Old Elk, Sophie Tiger, the Sovereign Youth Council, Coushatta Princess, and the Coushatta Junior Princess.
The powwow’s marketplace included dozens of vendors offering authentic Native crafts, gifts, and authentic food.
