2019 Mariposa Pow Wow
All are welcome at the 25th Annual Mariposa Pow Wow on May 11-12, 2019 at the Mariposa County Fairgrounds in Mariposa, California. Once a year the American Indian Council of Mariposa County (AICMC) – aka the Southern Sierra Miwuk Nation – organizes a traditional Native American celebration. To most people this celebration is known as the Mariposa Pow Wow but, to the Southern Sierra Miwuk Nation it is known as Chi-Tock-Non Kote-U-Pu – a drug-free, alcohol-free, smoke-free Spring Celebration.
Mariposa Pow Wow
The Mariposa Pow Wow is held each year on Mother’s Day weekend. The pow wow is important, not only as a celebration of our Native American culture, song and dance but also, more importantly, helps to fund the Nellie Tucker Scholarship. The Nellie Tucker scholarship, administered through the AICMC, provides funds for local Native students who are trying to further their education.
Rain or Shine – No Pets – Contest Dancing
Hours
Saturday 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Admission:
Pre-Sale Tickets $1.00
Front Gate Adult Admission $3.00
Front Gate Kids & Elders Admission $1.00
Location
Mariposa County Fairgrounds
5007 Fairgrounds Road
Mariposa, CA 95338
Several dance performances and contests are featured at the Mariposa Pow Wow. Men and boys compete in Fancy Dancing, Grass Dancing and Traditional Dancing. Women and girls compete in Fancy or Shawl Dancing, Jingle Dress and Traditional Dancing.
Mariposa Pow Wow Mini-Gallery
Mariposa Pow Wow Contest Dancing
Contest dancing is divided into categories by age and style. The number of categories varies among regions according to local traditions and to the number of dancers. Dancers are judged on their regalia, as well as their dancing style. Dancing out of beat, losing regalia, or failing to stop on the fast drum beat can disqualify a dancer. The age categories being with Tiny Tots which are children five years old and under, Boys and Girls ages 6 to 11 are next, then Boys and Girls ages 12-17. The adult categories are divided between men and women ages 18 to 49. The Golden Age category is for men and women over 50.
About the Grand Entry
The Grand Entry begins each session with a procession of dancers. The Flag Bearers lead the procession carrying the Eagle Staff, American Flag, Canadian Flag, and frequently, the MIA-POW Flag. Being a Flag Bearer is an honor usually given to a veteran, a respected traditional dancer, or a traditional elder. Indian Royalty are next, consisting of tribal and organizational princesses and other dignitaries. The Head Dancers lead a single file procession of dancers arranged by category and age. Everyone is asked to stand during the Grand Entry and men should remove their head coverings unless it has an eagle feather. After all the dancers are in the arena, a flag song is sung to honor the Eagle Staff and the flags. Then a respect person, usually an elder, offers a prayer. This is followed by a victory song during which the Eagle Staff and flags are placed in their standards. At this time, the Master of Ceremonies will introduce the Head Dancers and Royalty.
Mariposa Pow Wow Head Staff
MASTER OF CEREMONIES: To Be Announced
ARENA DIRECTOR: To Be Announced
HOST DRUM: To Be Announced
HEAD MAN: To Be Announced
HEAD WOMAN: To Be Announced
TEEN BOY: To Be Announced
TEEN GIRL: To Be Announced
TINYTOT BOY: To Be Announced
TINY TOT GIRL: To Be Announced
Mariposa Pow Wow Schedule (subject to change)
SATURDAY
10:00 AM Gates Open
12:00 PM Grand Entry
1:00 PM Mariposa Pow Wow Princess Crowning
Tiny Tot Dancing, Competition Dancing, Inter-Tribal Dancing
6:00 PM Dinner Break, Miwuk Dancing
7:00 PM Grand Entry
8:00 PM Competition Dancing
spacerAdult Categories
Inter-Tribal Dancing
10:00 PM Closing Ceremonies
SUNDAY
10:00 AM Gates Open
11:00 AM Grand Entry & Opening Prayer
12:00 PM Competition Dancing
3:30 PM Awards Ceremony
7:00 PM Grand Entry
4:00 PM Closing Ceremonies
For More Information
Mariposa Powwow Committee: Call 209-721-2244; Email mariposapowwow@gmail.com
Absolutely no smoking, drugs or alcohol allowed. The Mariposa Pow Wow is a Sub-Committee of the American Indian Council of Mariposa County, Inc.
Mark your calendar today so you don’t miss the next Mariposa Pow Wow on Mother’s Day Weekend (also known as the Southern Sierra Miwuk Nation Pow Wow or AICMC Pow Wow) at the Mariposa County Fairgrounds in Mariposa, California.
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