Winnebago Homecoming celebration powwow
Welcome, friends and relatives! The 2025 Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska's 159th Annual Homecoming Celebration will be held July 24th - July 27th!
Count down to The 2025 159th Homecoming Celebration:
Event History:
In 1863, the Winnebago Indians were moved from their home in Minnesota to a barren reservation in Dakota Territory. Groups of Winnebago soon moved down the Missouri River to the Omaha Reservation in Nebraska. In March, 1865, the Winnebago used their own funds to purchase land from the Omaha. That land is now the Winnebago Reservation.
In early 1865, about 75 members of the Winnebago Tribe enlisted in the Nebraska Volunteers. Known as Company "A," Omaha Scouts, the unit took an active part in quelling the Indian uprising of 1865 and 1866. This army service exemplified the Winnebago Tribe's desire for peace and good relationships between the Indians and the white settlers.
In the summer of 1866, upon the return of the Winnebago veterans, a homecoming festival was held. Shortly thereafter, Chief Little Priest died of wounds received in army service. An annual memorial celebration is held in remembrance of his sacrifice. The year following his death, Little Priest's service flag was raised as a symbol of the tribe's allegiance to their country. This ceremony remains an important part of each celebration. Later the gatherings became known as the Annual powwow.
drum contest:
Northern & Southern Split
1st: $10,000
2nd: $7,000
3rd: $4,000
4th: $3,000
5th: $2,000
Grand Entry Times:
Thursday: 1pm & 7pm
Friday: 1pm & 7pm
Saturday: 1pm & 7pm
Sunday: 1pm only
Contest Points will begin on Friday at 1pm
Flag raising at 6:00am daily
Retiring of flags at 5:00pm daily
livestream:
Information TBA
General Information:
Golden Age Men Dance Categories 55+
Northern & Southern Traditional Combined,
Grass, Fancy, Woodland
1st: $1,000 • 2nd: $800 • 3rd: $600 • 4th: $400 • 5th: $200
Golden Age Women Dance Categories 55+
Northern & Southern Traditional Combined,
Jingle, Fancy, Winnebago/HoChunk Applique
1st: $1,000 • 2nd: $800 • 3rd: $600 • 4th: $400 • 5th: $200
Jr. (18 to 34) & Sr. (35 to 54) Men Dance Categories
Northern Traditional, Grass, Fancy, Woodland, Southern Straight
1st: $1,000 • 2nd: $800 • 3rd: $600 • 4th: $400 • 5th: $200
Jr. (18 to 34) & Sr. (35 to 54) Women Dance Categories
Northern Traditional, Jingle, Fancy, Winnebago/HoChunk Applique, Southern Traditional
1st: $1,000 • 2nd: $800 • 3rd: $600 • 4th: $400 • 5th: $200
Teens (13-17) Boys Dance Categories
Northern & Southern Traditional Combined,
Grass, Fancy, Woodland
1st: $500 • 2nd: $400 • 3rd: $300 • 4th: $200 • 5th: $100
Teens (13-17) Girls Dance Categories
Northern & Southern Traditional Combined,
Jingle, Fancy, Winnebago/HoChunk Applique
1st: $500 • 2nd: $400 • 3rd: $300 • 4th: $200 • 5th: $100
Jr. (7-12) Boys Dance Categories
Northern & Southern Traditional Combined,
Grass, Fancy, Woodland
1st: $250 • 2nd: $200 • 3rd: $150 • 4th: $100 • 5th: $50
Jr. (7-12) Girls Dance Categories
Northern & Southern Traditional Combined,
Jingle, Fancy, Winnebago/HoChunk Applique
1st: $250 • 2nd: $200 • 3rd: $150 • 4th: $100 • 5th: $50
HEAD STAFF:
Master of Ceremonies:
Silas Cleveland
Garan Coons
Boye Ladd
Arena Director:
John Snowball
Head Man Dancer:
Dyami Berridge
Head Woman Dancer:
Kaira Wolfe
Head Dance Judges:
Brittany Pelkey
Justis Wolfleader
Head Drum Judge:
Hokie Clairmont
Host Drums:
Greywolf, New Breed & Haylushka
Additional Information:
Arts & Craft Vendors Contact:
Email: powwowcommittee@winnebagotribe.com
HOTEL ACCOMODATIONS:
RV Pad Rental & Camping
Must have a parking pass to park within the fenced Park area. Parking Pass is Free at gate.
Camping is Free.
RV Pad Rentals $50 daily • call 402-878-2203 (8am - 4:30pm M-F)
Payment must be sumitted with application in order to complete a reservation.
Admissions:
$10.00 Weekend Pass for General Public
FREE admission for any Enrolled Member of a Federally Recognized Tribe (must provide Tribal ID)
FREE admission for All Veterans (must provide ID)
Wilderness Walk/Run
Saturday, July 26 • All Ages Welcome!
Registration: 6:45am-7:45am
Race Starts: 8:00am
Winners Announced: 11:00am
Distance Options:
• 1 mile Fun Walk
• 5k walk/Run
• 7 mile Challenge
Contact: (402) 745-3955
Softball Tournament
Mens/Womens/Co-Ed • July 25-27
$250 Entry Fee
Located at the Land of Wellness Complex
Deadline is July 17th First 10 Paid Teams • All Native +2 • Must be 18 or older • Tribal IDs required
Concessions will be available (No outside food & beverages)
Absolutely no drugs or alcohol will be tolerated
For more info: contact Pilar Miller (402) 922-1905