QuaPaw Tribe 140th Pow Wow
By: Jennifer Penate
Updated: July 9, 2012
QUAPAW, OK--- For the last 140 years, members of the QuaPaw Tribe have come together in QuaPaw, Oklahoma.
"This is the time when we all come home. From California, across the United States," says Jennifer Lunsford, Pow Wow Chairman.
Members 1st priority is handling tribal business, but it's not all about work.
"People are cooking, visiting, laughing, and catching up, so it's basically a large family reunion," states Lunsford.
In families, you can't miss the kids. This year the kids festival is bigger than before, thanks to the Spring River Indian Baptist Church.
"They offered us the space to do more," says Joounita Smith, QuaPaw Children Development Director.
With more space comes bigger toys.
"Cause it's not only for our tribe, it's for the community," says Smith.
A water slide, flying chairs and the usual art station that has been set up for years.
"They can make canoes, tee pees, and dream catchers," says Smith.
To tribal members, ensuring the kids have their own celebration during the Pow Wow is essential.
"Most of the events are in the evening so it's important to have something for the kids to do," says Lunsford.
"This is the time when we all come home. From California, across the United States," says Jennifer Lunsford, Pow Wow Chairman.
Members 1st priority is handling tribal business, but it's not all about work.
"People are cooking, visiting, laughing, and catching up, so it's basically a large family reunion," states Lunsford.
In families, you can't miss the kids. This year the kids festival is bigger than before, thanks to the Spring River Indian Baptist Church.
"They offered us the space to do more," says Joounita Smith, QuaPaw Children Development Director.
With more space comes bigger toys.
"Cause it's not only for our tribe, it's for the community," says Smith.
A water slide, flying chairs and the usual art station that has been set up for years.
"They can make canoes, tee pees, and dream catchers," says Smith.
To tribal members, ensuring the kids have their own celebration during the Pow Wow is essential.
"Most of the events are in the evening so it's important to have something for the kids to do," says Lunsford.
