More than a gathering: 73rd Annual Tulsa Powwow to celebrate tradition, community and generations 

(MUSCOGEE RESERVATION) The 73rd Annual Tulsa Powwow returned August 16 and 17, 2025, taking place at the Arvest Convention Center at 100 Civic Center. Hosted by the Tulsa Indian Club, the Tulsa Powwow welcomed dancers and visitors from across Oklahoma and beyond.

Tulsa Indian Club chairman David Bible says organizing the powwow is about far more than logistics.

“It’s carrying on a legacy. I’ve heard stories from families who’ve attended for generations. It’s an honor for me to help continue something that’s been such a big part of our community for 73 years.”

Club treasurer Robert Anquoe, who grew up attending the powwow, sees it as a key piece of Tulsa’s identity.

“The Tulsa Powwow’s history is part of Tulsa’s history. It’s about preserving our traditions, our customs, and making sure the next generation knows who we are as Native people,” Anquoe said. 

The event began in 1952 and originally spanned four days at Mohawk Park, complete with camping. Today, the powwow thrives in an indoor setting, offering visitors a comfortable space to experience vibrant dancing, drumming and intertribal fellowship. Around 60% of attendees are first-timers, according to the Bible. The mix of old friends and new faces makes for a special kind of energy.

“It’s a gathering, a celebration,” Bible said. “You see the smiles, the laughter — that’s what makes all the hard work worth it.” 

Anquoe adds that the powwow is also a bridge between generations. 

“I love seeing the children and grandchildren of those who came before, now taking part as dancers, singers and organizers. It’s about passing on those memories and creating new ones,” Anquoe said.

One of the most anticipated moments was the crowning of the 2025–2026 Tulsa Powwow Princess, an honor that celebrates Native women’s leadership, cultural pride and service. This year, the crowning was bestowed by Winnie Guess Perdue, a highly respected community elder whose life’s work and achievements have made her a living example of excellence. 

Perdue’s journey in powwow culture started very early. She began fancy dancing at the age of 12. As a Cherokee woman, she helped to expand women’s cultural participation in dances traditionally reserved for men.

“I had the opportunity to hoop and eagle dance when no one else was, and I had the opportunity to make so many friends,” Perdue said.

“It is such an overwhelming experience of gratitude that I could be a part of celebrating our Native culture,” she continued. For Perdue, powwows are an opportunity for tribal solidarity. “I have always believed and always will believe we are one tribe.”

Perdue’s accomplishments extend far beyond the arena. She appeared in Martin Scorsese’s 2023 film “Killers of the Flower Moon,” performed in the musical “Nanyehi: The Story of Nancy Ward” at the Hard Rock Casino in Tulsa, and will serve as Grand Marshal for Tulsa’s Native American Day on Oct. 13, 2025. 

Reflecting on her decades in the circle, Perdue says her goal is to uplift and encourage the next generation of Native women.

“I just want to uphold all of those values that we ask these young women to uphold,” she said. “If we don’t tell our own story, someone else will tell it for us.” 

“Crowning the new princess will be “an extreme honor,” Perdue said. 

“Each princess brings so much to our culture and traditions. We expect them to uphold those values, and we hope to honor them and help them on their journey.” 

The newly selected Tulsa Powwow Princess, Madison Bighorse, was officially crowned before grand entry at 4:30 p.m. on August 16th, 2025. Bighorse, an incoming senior at Pawhuska High School, said she decided to run for the title to represent her city, family, and culture and was particularly inspired by her aunt Angela and sister Dora.

“It’s a really big deal,” Bighorse said. “You’re not only representing yourself; you’re representing the city of Tulsa, your family and your people. I’m excited to meet people from all over Indian Country and share who I am.”

Bighorse hopes to serve as a role model for Native youth, especially young girls. 

“I want little girls to know they can do it,” she said. “It doesn’t matter where you come from, if you put your mind to it, you can.”

The Tulsa Powwow featured gourd dancing, grand entries, competitive dancing, drum groups, vendors and a gathering of cultures and friendships that have spanned decades.

“It’s not just an event; it's a circle. One that connects us to the past, carries us through the present and leads us to the future,” Perdue said. 

Whether you’re a longtime participant or a first-time attendee, the Tulsa Powwow offers an opportunity to experience the beauty, strength and unity of Native culture.  

For more information, visit the Tulsa Indian Club website.

This article has been updated to reflect past-tense phrasing.