On November 20, this coming Sunday, the Quapaw Nation and its Cultural Committee will host its second Quapaw Fall Gathering event to be held indoors at the Downstream Casino Resort Pavilion. Doors open at 12 pm. It is an opportunity to spend the day having fun and perpetuating our culture. Everyone of all ages, from children to elders, is welcome to join in the fun.
The theme for this year’s Fall Gathering is Social and Stomp Dances. The Shawnee have graciously offered to help in this endeavor as they have a Quapaw dance during their ceremonies.
“It is our hope to reintroduce tribal social dances, renew interest, and bring back an enjoyable tradition,” said Cultural Committee Chair Carrie V Wilson.
Social dances were held during the morning of the Quapaw Powwow. The dances began to decline with the transition from camping on-site to traveling from home or a hotel. Let’s bring back our dances! All tribal people are invited. There will be demonstrations on the different dance steps, how to tie and the steps to shake those stomp dance shells or cans. Instructions on counting Indian dice and handgame will be offered.
Attendees can expect to participate in traditional tribal games – handgame, Indian dice tournaments and foot races. Native American arts and crafts will be for sale. Additionally, there will be raffles, cake walks and 50-50 pots. Arts and crafts for children, including a Native-themed Christmas decoration station. There will be face painting, corn hole toss, stick-horse races and more.
Doors open at 12:00 pm
Foot Races at 1 pm
Handgame at 2 pm
Indian Dice Tournament at 4 pm
Chili Dinner starting at 4:30 pm
Social and Stomp Dances start at 6 pm
Cultural Committee members Charlene Button, Bill Griffin, Rise Proctor, Betty Gaedtke, Carolyn Nott, Karen Hildreth and Wilson actively worked with JoOuita Smith who was involved with last year’s Fall Gathering. The Cultural Committee thanks everyone who has helped with this event.
A block of rooms is reserved at the Downstream Resort for Quapaw Tribal members. Remember to mention the “Fall Gathering” when booking your reservations at 918-919-6000.