|
|
Published July 05, 2008 07:08 pm - QUAPAW, Okla. — Hundreds of visitors watched brightly-colored dancers and listened to songs of the “O-Gah-Pah” people — the downstream people — as the Quapaw tribe began its three-day powwow. The name “Quapaw” is a derivative of “O-Gah-Pah.”
Quapaw tribe celebrates history with powwow
By Debbie Robinson
drobinson@joplinglobe.com
QUAPAW, Okla. — Hundreds of visitors watched brightly-colored dancers and listened to songs of the “O-Gah-Pah” people — the downstream people — as the Quapaw tribe began its three-day powwow. The name “Quapaw” is a derivative of “O-Gah-Pah.”
The tribe has held the annual event, which began Friday night, for 136 years. The powwow continued with a gourd dance Saturday followed by other dance contests, such as teen grass, men’s traditional and men’s fancy dance.
This year’s event was held on tribal grounds southeast of Quapaw and occurred as the tribe was opening its casino near the state line.
Betty Harris, of Joplin, attended the powwow for her second time. She first came 40 years ago, when she taught school in Shawnee Mission, Kan.
“It’s huge, and it’s beautiful,” Harris said.
Forty years ago, she and another teacher who attended the powwow sat on bleachers all night and watched the dancers.
Her interest in powwows, she said, started when she lived in Colorado and was involved in a Mountain Man rendezvous.
“I have an elk dress, and I started making beads after studying the tribe,” she said.
Harris also said she was attracted by the pageantry of the powwow.
“It’s beautiful and you learn a lot,” she said.
Eight-year-old Zach Wahweotten, of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, said he has been dancing since he was two.
“It’s fun,” he said.
Zach’s mother, Angie, said her son was entered in the junior fancy division.
•
Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.
|
|

: Special Offer For New Subscribers
:


 |
|
ORTHOPAEDIC
Specialist of the Four States is currently accepting applications for the following postiions: Physical Therapist, Occcu...>MORE
See all ads |
|
VOLKSWAGEN, 1998 BEETLE,
black, 5 speed, looks, runs and drives great, only 84,000 miles, $3400. 417-621-0850....>MORE
See all ads |
|
Deerfield Estates
in Carl Junction, prime building sites, reduced $10,000 each. 417-825-0052...>MORE
1995 16x72 2 BR, 2 BA,
fully furnished, all appliances, 1 owner, beautiful, smoke free, must move. $17,500. (417)423-2385....>MORE
NO CREDIT NEEDED QUALIFY
for 0 down Own completely remodeled 2/2 16x80 single section manufacturered home, 2 acres, trees, corner lot, large deck...>MORE
NO CREDIT
needed qualify for 0 down Own completely remodeled 3/2 16x80 single section manufacturered home, 2 acres, new front deck...>MORE
See all ads |
|
BASS BOAT, 2005
Lowe aluminum, 17’, 2005 90 hp Mercury, 2006 trailer, excellent shape, low hours. $7,500. (417)776-8846 evenings or 417-...>MORE
10 YEAR OLD BUCKSKIN
mare, 14-hands, broke for anyone, $750; miniature Jack and bred Jenny, $400 pair. (417)434-3700....>MORE
TEA CUP
Chihuahua pup, female, shots, wormed. Information (417)843-2735...>MORE
1993 KUBOTA 1560
lawn tractor, 42” cut with bagger, $800. (417)364-8231....>MORE
CRAFTSMAN
radial 10” arm saw; skil saw 7 1/4”; Singer Featherweight machine; clocks/pocket watches; 7.62-54 rifle, accessories; Ca...>MORE
See all ads |
|
 |
|