Trading Moon Powwow Returns to UCM on Nov. 1

The Trading Moon Powwow will take place Saturday, Nov. 1, in the Student Recreation and Wellness Center at the
University of Central Missouri. Pictured is a dance from the 2024 event.

 

The Trading Moon Powwow will return as part of the 12th annual Trading Moon Native American Arts Festival on Saturday, Nov. 1, in the Student Recreation and Wellness Center at the University of Central Missouri (UCM).

The powwow is an intertribal gathering open to all, regardless of Native American heritage. The event is from noon to 9 p.m. and attendees are welcome to come and go as their schedule allows. 

The host drum group will drum and sing, dancers in tribal regalia will participate in traditional dances and vendors will sell arts, crafts and food. Guests are welcome to enjoy the evening meal at 5:30 p.m., which costs $13.

The schedule includes gourd dances at noon and 6:30 p.m. and the grand entries at 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Intertribal dancing will take place from 2:45 to 5 p.m. and from 7:30 to 9 p.m.

The 2025 powwow's head staff includes head singer William Dean, head man Mathias Smith, and head lady Mahayla Perryman-Matthews. Wade Blevins will serve as emcee, Shane Adams is the arena director, and Justin Tone-Pah-Hote is the head gourd dancer.

All dancers and vendors must register using forms located at ucmo.edu/tradingmoon. The vendor registration deadline is Oct. 17. Dancers who register by Oct. 24 will receive a complimentary meal ticket.

The event, which is free and open to the public, is sponsored by UCM’s Office of Student Experience and Engagement and The Center. It is part of the annual Trading Moon Native American Arts Festival, which is made possible through a grant from the Missouri Arts Council. 

For more information, visit ucmo.edu/tradingmoon or contact Student Experience and Engagement at experience@ucmo.edu.