Tinker Inter-Tribal Council hosts powwow

By Valerie Scott

Midwest City Beacon

A generational event took place this weekend at Joe B. Barnes Park in Midwest City. The Powwow was put on by the Tinker Inter-Tribal Council. The event had several dancers, Native American jewelry, dream catchers, fried pies, and lots of family. Dancers came from all different tribes and ages to celebrate and honor Native American culture. 

Audriana Barcindebar, from Muscogee Creek Tribe, competed in the Fancy Shawl dance. Barcindebar shared that her favorite part of dancing is the Crow Hop. She wore a pink fancy shawl made by her mother. Barcindebar said with a smile that she got to pick the colors of her Regalia herself. She was accompanied by her sister, Tatiana Barcindebar, and their mother. 

Britiany Yarholar brought her daughter, Kiaya Bush, to the Powwow to compete in the Tiny Tot Exhibitions. She believes it’s important to teach their tribes’ history and traditions starting at a young age. 

At the beginning of the dance, Alex Fish, Sam Wheeler, and other members of the Indian Military, flew the Native American flag and American flag. 

Henry Hunter, from Sac and Fox Nation shared that learning the steps is the most important part of regalia dancing.

“We take pride in our culture and it’s important to honor our culture by not just making up the steps as you go,” Hunter also advised those starting out in regalia dancing to, “Have fun and find the style that fits your soul best.”

Hunter was accompanied by his wife, Jill Rimeaux Hunter and David Doc Johnson.

“Learning the steps should be one of the first things to learn when starting out. Staying in tune to the drums helps when learning a new step”, shared Johnson.

Boye Ladd shared that he handmade his own regalia, taking him a year to create.

“I take great pride in my regalia, lots of time and detail,” he said.

Next year the Tinker Inter-Tribal Council will be putting on their 19th annual Powwow. An invitation is extended to all ages and walks of life.