Veteran Native

Posted November 30, 2010 By admin

Experience your Nebraska Vacations at the Ho-Chunk Pow Wow

If you are going to be near Winnebago, Nebraska for your Nebraska vacation in July you may want to schedule time to be at the Winnebago Powwow. This exciting pow wow has hundreds of Indian dancers and artist performing a fabulous celebration for the last 5 nights of July every year. It will be a great opportunity to see the most colorful and designer native clothing that you will ever see, a beautiful Nebraska attraction you can not miss.

The Ho-Chunk Indians were first from Wisconsin but early in the 19th century the United States Government took the land they lived on and they forced them to move. It wasn’t just a one time move, it was repeated over and over. They were first moved to Iowa, then off to Minnesota and then moved 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. Some of the tribes moved back to Wisconsin but the majority of the tribes remained in Nebraska. They now live on a reservation (some of them) that is their own land.

The powwow is a celebration remembering 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 pow wow not only honors him but also all the Winnebago Indian veterans of war. The chief, Little Priest, believed in harmony among the people, he forgave the treatment the Indians had received from the government. He encouraged good relationships between themselves, the settlers and the soldiers.

The Winnebago Pow Wow is the oldest Pow Wow in North America. It is a way to restore friendships, remember the history and the old ways and enjoy the fact that they can all gather together to enjoy the dance and music of their heritage. It has been observed annually since 1866.

Visitors are welcome to come and enjoy the festivities. Watch the dancing, enjoy the music and partake in the food. If you have not had fried bread before be sure to try it, it’s wonderful.

The pow wow 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 remember from your Nebraska travel.

Impossible Dream – A Tribute to Native American Veterans