September 1997 Wyandot Pow Wow

by Bill Welge

The 8th Annual Wyandot Tribal Pow Wow was held on their traditional Pow Wow grounds near Wyandotte, Oklahoma September 6, 7, and 8 of 1997. The events shown were in the late afternoon under a warm September sun.  Chief Leaford Bearskin and Second Chief Jim Bland represented the official government of the Wyandot Nation. Strict protocol was maintained by written rules by the Head Man Dancer and Head Lady Dancer. 

Special hospitality was extended by Juanita McQuistion who serves as National Historian for the Wyandot. Mrs. McQuistion has been active as a historian and supporter of the Pow Wow for more than 40 years. Her Wyandot title is Ka-We-Ne-Ha-We (Keeper of Traditions).
War Veterans Honor Guard open Pow Wow 9/8/97. The honor guard all knell except the bearer of the American flag.  The uniforms of the Honor Guard incorporate the Tribal colors of red, black, and white.  A flag song is sung by the men at the drum in honor of all veterans.

Ladies Processional follows the men's processional. Ladies and girls take a good deal of time to reach the desired appearance.  The photographer observed many mothers and others helping the younger ladies to prepare their hair and clothing.

Processional or Grand Entry begins on Labor Day. Permission was granted by the Head Man Dancer to take these photographs.

The traditional headdress of the Wyandot. The spelling for the tribe is Wyandot, but the spelling for the town is Wyandotte.
The youngster on the left participated in the "Tiny Tots" contest.

Bill Welge is the Director of the Research Division of the Oklahoma Historical Society. Welge attended Grant High School, graduated with a BA in Journalism from University of Oklahoma and a Master of Southwestern Studies at the University of Central Oklahoma. As part of the OHS staff, Welge has been documenting many Indian events in Oklahoma for more than twenty years. His collection of photographs and many other materials is housed at the Research Center of the Oklahoma Historical Society.  Welge is a recognized authority on the records of the various Indian tribes and nations residing in Oklahoma.

Article added 1/17/02.