Contest powwow set for Aug. 14-16

By Alexander Bliven

Smoke Signals intern

The 2026 Grand Ronde Contest Powwow will bring dancers, drummers and community members together Friday, Aug. 14, through Sunday, Aug. 16, at the uyxat Powwow Grounds.

Attendance is free. Camping with parking is available for $5 per vehicle beginning 1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12.

Mountain Kree will be the host drum and Bad Soul will serve as local host drum. Invited drums include Bad Nation, Milepost 30, Bad War Cloud, Meskwaki Nation and Little Bear.

Howie Thompson and Marty Thurman will serve as emcees for the event. Grand Ronde Tribal member Anthony Quenelle will serve as arena director.

Randall Paskemin will be head drum judge; Tavian Lasley will be head dance judge.

The powwow will begin with a royalty pageant at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 14, at the Tribal Governance Center, followed by ceremonies for the outgoing royalty and crowning incoming royalty at 5 p.m. at the powwow grounds. Grand entry will begin at 7 p.m.

On Saturday, Aug. 15, grand entry will take place at 1 p.m. and again at 7 p.m.

On Sunday, Aug. 16, there will be an Indian auction at 11 a.m., followed by grand entry at 1 p.m. at the powwow grounds.

Dance categories include Elder (65+), golden age (55-64), senior adults (36-54) and junior adults (18-35), with prize money ranging from $1,000 for first place to $50 for fifth place.

Additional categories include teens (13-17), with prize money ranging from $600 for first place to $100 for fifth place; juniors (6-12), with prize money ranging from $150 for first place to $50 for fifth place and the women’s fancy special and men’s fancy special, featuring the theme “Feathers vs. Hackles,” with prize money ranging from $1,000 for first place to $300 for fourth place.

The powwow is a clean and sober event. Attendees are asked to respect the Grand Ronde community and culture by not bringing alcohol, drugs or weapons to the event and not displaying any gang affiliation. Smoking and vaping are not allowed around or in the arena or arbor. Dogs are not allowed in the event area, including the arena, around the arbor and in the vendor areas.

The event is often crowded, so attendees are advised to arrive early to allow time to find parking and seating.

The uyxat Powwow Grounds are located at 9600 Highway 22 (Hebo Road) Grand Ronde, Oregon 97347. For vendor information, call 503-879-2037.