Planning for the Annual Fourth of July powwow takes a lot of work by many people who volunteer to be on the Powwow Committee. The Powwow Committee is made up completely of tribal members who want to make sure that the annual powwow happens each year. The Powwow Committee is responsible for every single aspect of powwow, and if it weren’t for these people it wouldn’t be possible to put on such a big event.

The best days during the Fourth of July weekend that will work for everyone are selected. There is funding through raffles, making venders pay a fee, or selling programs for the powwow or by writing grants so that the government will pay certain expenses. They set up advertising, so that people can take off work or travel to the grounds from far away. They provide tipi poles for people who want to camp, as well as, hook ups for RVs. They pave roads on the grounds, build new bathrooms, begin cooking food, arranging for garbage disposal, and figure out where people will shower. They find drum groups to come to a contest at the powwow, while also playing the essential role of drumming for the dancers. They are unpaid volunteers. They find entertainment like dances or basketball tournaments for the children and teens, so that after the dancing ends they will not get into any trouble. They find judges for the contests that happen during the four days, and find funds to pay for the prizes that people can win. They set up giveaways, honor dances, and specials that are put on by certain families.

Other than the specific works of the Powwow Committee, the people who come have to work hard to make the powwow happen. The people that come must leave behind fireworks, alcohol, and drugs. They must bring their newly repaired outfits, a positive and respectful attitude, and are ready to meet new people and see family.

Source: Personal Interview, Sally Buckley, 2003