Tribal Members Celebrate 72nd Annual Tulsa Powwow

People are gathering today at the Cox Business Center to celebrate the 72nd annual Tulsa Powwow. 

The Tulsa Indian Club says the powwow is a way to honor the ancestors who came before them. 

"It's also healing for you, the dances, we're praying for people, whatever you are going through, when we come out there we are sharing this with you,” said Kitana Swimmer-Foreman 

Kitana Swimmer-Foreman has spent the past year as the powwow princess. 

She says the powwow is a way to celebrate Native American traditions, and her favorite part of the whole weekend is the Gourd dancing. 

"It's just the blessing of the grounds, a blessing before the dancers actually come onto the grounds, and that's always been so sacred and beautiful to me,” she said. 

There are also arts and crafts vendors, food and Kitana will pass her crown to the 2024-2025 princess Madeline Gray Goodfox. 

Madeline says being the powwow princess is an honor and she’s thrilled for the year ahead.  

"I've been going to this powwow since I was a baby with my sisters and my mom, and now I'm princess of the powwow,” she said. 

Madeline says the powwow feels like a big family reunion and something everyone can enjoy. 

"Everyone is welcome, it's not just for natives, and it's a nice way for natives to show everyone, that we're still here today."

The doors will open at 11 a.m. at the Cox Business Center,  but Saturday isn’t the only day to experience the powwow. It will also take place Sunday with the doors to the Cox business center opening at 11 a.m. 

There is a $5 admission fee.