United Tribes Powwow Grand Entry | Video

Jennifer Joas | 9/7/2012

Drums filled the air tonight at the 43rd Annual United Tribes International Powwow. The Powwow will be a four day event, and it all started with the first grand entry.

"It`s so wonderful. It`s a parade of colors. It`s coming together to celebrate life in itself," said Powwow Chair Julie Cain.

That`s how Cain describes the grand entry. She planned the Powwow and expects close to 15,000 people to attend this weekend.

"It is so wonderful that all of the people come from all over the united states to attend this. There will be dancers and drummers and it`s just the biggest spectacular event I think in Bismarck."

One of those performing groups is the Tafiti Samoan Fireknife Dancers from Hawaii.

"I`m very much into the culture. Holding on to come here and support this event is a great blessing for us," said Kapeneta Suli Te`o-Tafiti with the dancers.

But the Powwow doesn`t end with the grand entry. There are a total of seven grand entries throughout the weekend, and Cain encourages people to come experience it for themselves.

"There`s no words that can describe it when you`re watching them because it`s just so spiritual, so cultural. You just have to see for yourself. And if you`re one of those dancers coming out in the grand entry, you`re not even walking on the ground, you`re dancing in the air," Cain said.

Cain estimates 150 tribes will participate in the Powwow.

The Powwow continues Friday with youth activities in the morning, followed by drum and dance competitions and more grand entries.

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