NATCHEZ, Miss. (VDN<\/a>) \u2014 <\/strong>The Natchez Powwow<\/a>, a festive cultural event that has captivated locals and visitors for over 30 years, will take place March 28-29, 2026, at 319 N. Broadway St. on the Natchez Bluff.<\/p>\n \u201cAs we say each year, this is a wholesome family event that provides good entertainment and a celebration of the Native American culture in a safe environment,\u201d said Natchez Powwow Chairman Dr. Chuck Borum. \u201cWe invite everyone to come enjoy themselves. This is a great time to meet people and build relationships while learning about Native American traditions.\u201d<\/p>\n The Natchez Powwow is an annual event that celebrates Indigenous culture through music, singing, and traditional dance. In addition to participants wearing colorful Native American regalia, the event features food, arts and crafts, and more.<\/p>\n Admission is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs for seating.<\/p>\n Powwow program<\/strong><\/p>\n This year\u2019s powwow will feature Frank Carson, Otoe-Pawnee, of Stillwater, Oklahoma, as master of ceremonies; and Darsh DeSilva of Round Rock, Texas, as arena director.<\/p>\n Eddie Yellowfish, Osage-Otoe-Comanche, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, will serve as the head singer of the Southern Drum; and Free \u201cBird\u201d Kasler, Otoe, of Chouteau, Oklahoma, as head man dancer.<\/p>\n The program will also feature Wonzie Kline Kole, Mescalero Apache-Comanche, of Dallas, Texas as the head lady dancer; and James Barton of Summerville, South Carolina, as the head gourd dancer.<\/p>\n Yellowfish said Tuesday that he is looking forward to the Natchez Powwow, which will be his first visit.<\/p>\n \u201cI feel honored to do this,\u201d he said. \u201cEveryone speaks highly of this dance and gathering.\u201d<\/p>\n He said other singers have told him that \u201cthey always enjoyed the dance\u201d at the powwow in Natchez.<\/p>\n Yellowfish said a powwow is special for many reasons. In addition to being a \u201cgathering of tribes\u201d and recognizing one\u2019s culture, \u201cit\u2019s a chance for us to honor tradition and sing old songs and help everyone have a good feeling,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n He added that he appreciates the community coming together for the powwow events. \u201cI think the powwow is a good thing to share with people of other cultures,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Oscar-nominated songwriter<\/strong><\/p>\n Supporting Yellowfish at the drum this year will be Oscar-nominated songwriter Scott George of Hominy, Oklahoma will return to Natchez. He has participated in the Natchez Powwow around five or six times, he said.<\/p>\n George composed, \u201cWahzhazhe (A Song for My People),\u201d that was featured in Martin Scorsese\u2019s \u201cKillers of the Flower Moon.\u201d On Sunday, March 10, 2024, George and the Osage Tribal Singers performed the song at the 96th Academy Awards.<\/p>\n George said in a recent interview that it is hard to describe the experience and recognition he and the Osage Singers received for their performance at the Oscars.<\/p>\n \u201cWe were caught up in the moment doing what we were asked to do,\u201d he said. \u201cWe didn\u2019t think too much about it until it was done, and then we couldn\u2019t believe we were there.\u201d<\/p>\n He added that \u201cit was an overwhelming opportunity\u201d for them. \u201cWe didn\u2019t have time to get nervous,\u201d he said. \u201cWe practiced many times, and we got through it without any mistakes.\u201d<\/p>\n Because of the bright stage lights, they could not see the massive audience during the performance. George said it was only when they watched the performance on YouTube and television did they truly see and feel the power of the standing ovation, he said.<\/p>\n George said they also enjoyed seeing the celebrities, like Dwayne Johnson, who took photos with them.<\/p>\n As for the song itself, George said its inspiration came from his tribal history. \u201cThe words in the song are asking my people to stand up,\u201d he said. \u201c\u2018Stand up. God made this for us.\u2019 We always heard our old people, even back before the Civil War, pray that we would still be here.\u201d<\/p>\n Since its founding in 1988 by Borum, the Natchez Powwow has generated national publicity through its participants and performers. In 2018, the Natchez Powwow was listed as one of the top 20 events of that year by the Southeast Tourism Society.<\/p>\n Powwow schedule<\/strong><\/p>\n Saturday March 28, 2026 As noted on the event\u2019s website, alcohol is prohibited at the powwow. It is not allowed in the powwow area or in the trader or food vending area.<\/p>\n Borum said the powwow is financially supported by local Natchez businesses, individuals, and the Natchez Convention Promotion Commission\/Visit Natchez.<\/p>\n For more information on the powwow, visit\u00a0https:\/\/www.natchezpowwow.com<\/a>, or send email to\u00a0Powwow Chairman Dr. Chuck Borum at\u00a0cborum@hotmail.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n See a typo? Report it here<\/a>.<\/em><\/strong>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n![\"Scott](\"https:\/\/vicksburgnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Scott-George-and-wife.jpg.webp)
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Photo courtesy of Scott George<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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9 a.m. \u2014 Food and Craft and Farmer Market Vendors open
12:30 p.m. \u2014 Gourd Dance
2 p.m. \u2014 Grand Entry and Intertribal Dancing
4 p.m. \u2014 Camp Feed for Singers and Dancers and family\/friends
6 p.m. \u2014 Gourd Dance
7 p.m. \u2014 Grand Entry and Intertribal Dancing
9 p.m. \u2013 Closing
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Sunday March 29, 2026
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9 a.m. \u2014 Food and Craft\u00a0Vendors open
12:30 p.m. \u2014 Gourd Dance
2 p.m. \u2014 Grand Entry and Intertribal Dancing<\/p>\n