Kaibab Paiute Tribe to host annual Sounds of Thunder Pow Wow August 16 - 17

The Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians will host its annual Sounds of Thunder Mountain Pow Wow on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 16 - 17, at the tribal community park lo­cated approximately 14 miles west of Fredo­nia, Arizona, near the intersection of State Route 389 and Pipe Springs Road.

Images courtesy of Kaibab Paiute Band of Indians.

The Pow Wow, held annually on the third weekend in August, celebrates the cultural heritage of the Kaibab Paiute people and fea­tures a variety of per­formance and sporting events intended to celebrate Paiute cul­ture, promote healthy lifestyles, and encour­age youth engagement. The weekend is open to the public and free to attend.

The Circle Dance singing contest on Saturday is a center­piece of the weekend, showcasing traditional Southern Paiute social songs. These songs, often sung in the Pai­ute language, carry themes of weather, land and tribal history.

Saturday also fea­tures a hand-game tournament, a tradi­tional guessing and singing game played throughout Native communities in the Southwest. A com­munity feast will take place at 5 p.m. that evening. The tribe em­phasized this offering as a continuation of its longstanding tradition of welcoming guests with food and fellow­ship.

A veterans recogni­tion ceremony will take place on Saturday, honoring Native Amer­ican military service members. According to the Kaibab Paiute Tribal Office, this cer­emony is a respected part of the annual celebration.

Vendors will be on-site offering handmade jewelry, crafts, and food, including classic favorites like frybread and shaved ice.

Organizers encour­age guests to bring lawn chairs, stay as long as they like, and enjoy the whole week­end of culture, games, and tradition. For Kai­bab Paiute RV Park reservations, call (928) 643-6601. For vendor information, call Angie Bulletts at (435) 669- 8815.

More information is available through the Kaibab Paiute Tribal Office at (928) 643-7245 or online at kaibabpaiute-nsn.gov