Discover your Nebraska Vacation at the Ho-Chunk Nation Pow Wow
Experience your Nebraska Vacations at the Ho-Chunk Nation Pow Wow
If you are traveling to be near Winnebago, Nebraska for your Nebraska vacations in July you may want to schedule time to be at the Ho-Chunk Pow-wow. This exciting event has hundreds of Indian dancers and musicians putting on a fabulous celebration for the last 5 days of July every year. It will be a great opportunity to observe the most colorful and designer native clothing that anyone will ever observe, one of my favorite Nebraska attractions.
The Winnebago Indians were originally from Wisconsin but around the 19th century the U.S. Government took the land they lived on so they forced them to move. It was not just a one time move, it occurred over and over. They were first relocated to Iowa, then off to Minnesota and then to South Dakota where they were held captive in stockades until they were allowed to escape. They finally ended up in Nebraska where they were allowed to stay. Many of the tribes moved back to Wisconsin but the majority of the tribes remained in Nebraska. They now live on the reservation (some of them) that is their own land.
The powwow is a celebration honoring Little Priest who was the last tribal chiefton. He not only was the chief of the tribe but also served in the United States military. Because of his service in the military he received a life ending wound and died in 1866. Today the celebration not only honors him but also all the Winnebago Indian veterans of war. The chief, Little Priest, believed in peace among the people, he forgave the treatment the Indians had experienced from the government. He encouraged good relationships between themselves, the settlers and the soldiers.
The Winnebago Powwow is the oldest Powwow in the United States. It is a way to renew friendships, respect the heritage and the old ways and appreciate the fact that they can all gather together to welcome the dance and music of their heritage. It has been observed on an annual basis since 1866.
Guests are welcome to attend and enjoy the festival. Watch the dance, enjoy the sounds and share the food. If you haven’t had fried bread before be sure to try it, it’s wonderful.
The celebration is observed at Veteran’s Memorial Park, 1 1/4 miles east of Winnebago, Nebraska on US Hwy 75. Come out and experience the pow wow, even if you can only attend for one day it will be a memory you will treasure from your Nebraska Travel Guide.
